Schools provide safe spaces for children to enjoy playing, which improves their mental health and allows them to be physically active. Playgrounds should be inclusive and enable all children to practice social interactions and improve their moods through physical activity. Parents, guardians, caregivers and the local community can assist schools in advocating for play spaces.
Physical activity is important for overall health, especially for children. With over 40% of school-aged children experiencing chronic health conditions such as diabetes, it's important to find ways to increase physical activity. School play spaces are vital for young children to achieve this goal. Since nearly 40% of a child’s daily physical activity occurs during recess time, playgrounds play a crucial role in improving these statistics and ensuring that each school day includes some form of physical play.
Play spaces improve a child’s mental health by supporting social interaction and having fun. Mental health is declining nationwide, affecting children as well. With 20% of children in the U.S. diagnosed each year with a mental illness, safe play spaces at schools are a great way to support students' mental wellness. Physical activity can create endorphins that improve mood, and school playgrounds have unique benefits in promoting mental health. School playgrounds help children:
- Develop social skills, empathy, and friendships through interpersonal play
- Engage all senses and spark curiosity about the natural world
- Practice creativity and imagination through unstructured play
- Build confidence and problem-solving skills as they overcome challenges
You may be inspired to assist, but how do you get started? Talk to people in your school community and start building excitement! Then try these tips to set the wheels in motion:
- Consult a playground expert to develop a plan.
- Contact the PTA to be added to the next meeting’s agenda.
- Present the mental and physical benefits of playgrounds to your PTA.
- Talk to parents or PTA members about the playground design, furnishings, and features.
It won’t happen overnight, but keep up the conversations about playgrounds and their positive impact on children at your school. Playgrounds are an investment in long-term enrichment, making schools a place to learn, grow, and play!
