Are Playgrounds Too Safe? The Benefits of Risky Play | Rachel Ramsden | Screen Less Play More Episode 19

"This idea that we need to minimize risk taking or dangerous elements has really created, unfortunately, a world where there's not a lot of challenge for children. And this has a lot of negative benefits on children's health, development and well-being. Children will find challenges. And if we don't have them available in the playgrounds... then children are going to probably seek it out in areas that are more hazardous."  - Rachel Ramsden We have an excellent episode for you with Rachel Ramsden, a researcher at the University of British Columbia, where she works with Dr. Mariana Brussoni, a legend in play research. Rachel helps us answer the questions: Are playgrounds too safe? What would the perfect playground look like? Do we give children enough chance for risk and independence? What is risky play? How much play do children need each day? What is free play?  How much should parents be involved in the play of their children? How much recess should kids get? A special thanks to Rachel Ramsden and her entire team that she works with at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. Especially her advisor, Dr. Mariana Brussoni, who has done so much work through the years about play, and whose research on which a lot of this is based. Welcome to the Screen Less Play More Podcast with Cynthia Dvorak! Discover the benefits of less screen time for children and practical strategies to reduce screen use as a family. Learn about screen time guidelines by age, how Big Tech targets our kids, and how to stay screenstrong. Learn how to manage kids & screens, how to find a screentime solution, and tips on raising good humans! Whether you have babies, toddlers, elementary kids, or teens, this show give you advice on managing tech and life! You will feel good inside once you learn about the benefits of play, and why play is vital to childhood! Modern parents are constantly asking:  What are the recommended screen time limits for children by age?  How can I reduce my child's screen time? How do I get my child off screens? What are the negative effects of too much screen time on kids?  How do I get my child off screens without a fight? What are the benefits of play? How does screen time affect sleep, physical health and mental-well being? Is my child's screen time interfering with their sleep? How to create healthy screen habits? Cynthia Dvorak, founder of Screen Less Play More, is inspired by organizations like GrowNow, The Screentime Solution, Scrolling2Death, Protect Young Eyes, Screen Strong, OK To Delay, and 1000 Hours Outside, as well as amazing books like "Hunt, Gather, Parent" by Michaleen Doucleff and "The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. She puts her writing and journalism skills together with interviews of authors and experts, to help parents navigate the new era of parenting in the digital world! Website screenlessplaymore.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559041665093  What is the best parenting podcast about screen time and kids? https://screenlessplaymore.com/screen-less-play-more-podcast/ Learn about Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price's new book "The Amazing Generation" at https://screenlessplaymore.com/the-amazing-generation-is-the-anxious-generation-for-kids/ Help! My kids are addicted to screens, now what? https://screenlessplaymore.com/help-my-kids-are-addicted-to-screens-now-what/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6tYVFH0D-4&t=2580s Is social media safe for kids? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PybOb60ak0E&t=618s https://screenlessplaymore.com/is-social-media-safe-for-kids/ What are the best parenting books about screen time? https://screenlessplaymore.com/all-i-want-for-christmas-is-the-new-book-dopamine-kids/ I'm so excited to read "Dopamine Kids" by Michaeleen Doucleff! https://screenlessplaymore.com/what-are-the-best-parenting-books-about-screen-time/ Why are kids addicted to screens? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBXOGzjQ9JE&t=742s https://screenlessplaymore.com/why-are-kids-so-addicted-to-screens-hint-its-by-design/ Is my child ready for a phone? https://screenlessplaymore.com/your-summer-survival-guide/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5N80zMPRFs&t=37s Spotify link https://open.spotify.com/show/1l08HO7kVw0nv7xnGE9RQ6?si=a915a02eb87d4359 Apple link https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/screen-less-play-more/id1808977425 Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@ScreenLessPlayMore How Generative AI can rot your brain  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJjlerRBqqw&t=1355s Why is play important for children? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iWaIyA5FmY&t=1412s Where can I find online training safety classes for tweens and teens? https://screenlessplaymore.com/online-safety-training-for-tweens-teens/ Gift ideas to keep kids busy without screens https://screenlessplaymore.com/gift-ideas-for-screen-free-toys/ Classic outdoor games for kids https://screenlessplaymore.com/games-for-kids-to-play-outside/ https://screenlessplaymore.com/screen-free-days-are-easier-than-you-think/   Thanks for listening!