Why Risky Play is Essential for Young Children
Aug 7, 2025 | aliciamarcano | News
“Children develop their emerging autonomy, inter-dependence, resilience and agency when take considered risk in their decision-making and cope with unexpected” – Early Years Learning Framework (V2.0) (Outcomes 1)
“Children become strong in their physical learning and mental wellbeing: When children are provided well-planned and challenging outdoor environments that encourage risk-taking and risky play experiences.” – Early Years Learning Framework (V2.0) (Outcomes 3)
What if we told you that a scraped knee or a jump off a log could help your child grow into a confident, capable adult?
In a world full of safety guidelines and bubble wrap, the idea of “risky play” might sound alarming. But for children under eight, taking manageable risks in play is not just beneficial, it’s essential for healthy development.
What is Risky Play?
Risky play refers to a type of play activity or experience that involves a degree of uncertainty, physical challenge, and the potential for injury or failure.
It Provides children with opportunities to challenge themselves physically, emotionally, and mentally by engaging in activities where they can test their limits, make decisions, and learn to assess and manage risks in a controlled and supervised environment.
Risky play is thrilling, adventurous, and often a little unpredictable. Think:
– Climbing trees
– Balancing on logs
– Running at full speed
– Playing rough and tumble with friends
– Exploring nature without direct adult supervision
It’s the kind of play that makes children feel excited, challenged, and alive.
Why Is It Important?
During the first eight years of life, children are developing their sense of self, resilience, and decision-making skills. Risky play gives them the opportunity to:
– Build physical strength and coordination
– Learn how to assess and manage risks
– Grow confidence and independence
– Develop emotional regulation and resilience
– Improve social skills through teamwork and negotiation
As one child put it in the research:
“Scary makes me happy. I like the feeling.” — Declan, 4 years old
Children want to test their limits — it’s how they grow.
But… Isn’t It Dangerous?
This is one of the biggest misconceptions. Risky play is not about being reckless or unsafe. It’s about age-appropriate risk-taking in supportive environments. With adult guidance and well-designed spaces, risky play can be safe, engaging, and incredibly rewarding.
While a few bumps and bruises may happen, they’re often part of the learning process. In fact, the real risk is raising children who are afraid to try, explore, or fail.
What Can Adults Do?
Whether you’re a parent, educator, carer or community leader, you can help foster safe risky play by:
– Creating and supporting play spaces that allow climbing, running, exploring and messy play
– Trusting children’s capabilities to assess and manage their own limits
– Using a “benefit-risk” lens – asking not just “what might go wrong?” but “what might they learn?”
– Staying nearby, but not hovering, giving children space to take the lead
It Takes a Village
Supporting risky play isn’t just a job for parents or teachers — it’s a whole-community effort. From playground design to local policy, we all have a role to play in making sure children get the chance to experience the joys and benefits of real play.
Download the Risky Play Position Statement
To dive deeper into the research and recommendations, download the official Risky Play Position Statement for Young Australian Children by Play Australia. It’s a comprehensive guide for parents, educators, and policymakers who want to support healthier, happier childhoods.
Find out more about Risky Play by visiting the Play Australia website:
National Risk Position Statement | Play Australia
If you enjoyed this content, you might also enjoy reading:
Risky play in early childhood: What is it and why it matters? – The Y Whittlesea Children’s Programs
5 Benefits of Outdoor Play for Children – The Y Whittlesea Children’s Programs