Adventurous play could be good for children's health, says study

Do you enjoy climbing, exploring or whizzing down a hill on your bike?

Playing adventurously outdoors could be good for children's health, happiness and confidence, according to a new study.

Adventurous play is sometimes called 'risky play' - but that doesn't mean doing things that puts yourself or others in danger!

It's about more exciting play where you might not know exactly what will happen, but you have to think about how to do it safely.

It could include things like climbing a tree, navigating an obstacle course, exploring a natural space or riding a bike downhill.

Researchers found that children with more opportunities for this kind of play tended to have better physical and mental health, as well as stronger social and thinking skills.

Do you enjoy adventurous play? Do you think you should be allowed to play more adventurously? Let us know in the comments below...

Published in PLOS One, a science journal where researchers share their work, it is thought to be the biggest study ever on the benefits of adventurous play.

Researchers from the University of Exeter and the University of British Columbia in Canada, examined 74 studies involving children aged three to 12.

Professor Helen Dodd, from the University of Exeter, said: "It's important to find a balance." She added: "Children need opportunities to lead their own play and to make mistakes."

Although the study suggested children had better mental and physical health thanks to adventurous play, the researchers say they can't be sure with absolute certainty, as other things in children's lives may have also played a part.

They say more studies are needed to find clearer answers and better understand the link between adventurous play and children's health.

Early-years expert Gaynor Rice says adventurous play should offer a challenge without putting children in danger.

"With risky play, we can thread risk and challenge into children's lives in a safe way," she told the BBC.

She said this could help children develop "confidence, independence, resilience and problem-solving skills".

That means listening to the adult looking after you and always using safety equipment when it is needed.

Do you enjoy adventurous play? Do you think you should be allowed to play more adventurously? Let us know in the comments below.