Child and youth significance of play final exam

What is risky play?

Play with uncertain outcomes and a possibility of physical injury, usually freely chosen, and essential for physical health, mental health, and social development.

Why is risky play important?

It builds:

• Confidence & self-esteem

• Risk assessment skills

• Problem-solving ability

• Emotional regulation

• Resilience

What are the types of risky play?

• Height (climbing)

• Speed (running fast, biking)

• Dangerous elements (fire, water)

• Tools (hammers, knives)

• Rough-and-tumble play

• Impact (crashing, jumping)

• Disappearing/getting lost

• Vicarious play (watching risk)

What is the difference between risk and hazard?

• Risk = child can recognize + manage (learning opportunity)

• Hazard = danger child cannot foresee/control (should be removed)

Example of risk vs hazard?

• Risk: choosing how high to climb

• Hazard: broken/unstable equipment

What is helicopter (hyper) parenting?

Over controlling, overprotective parenting that exceeds responsible care.

Causes of helicopter parenting?

• Anxiety

• Overcompensation

• Social/peer pressure

Effects of helicopter parenting?

• Low self-esteem

• Poor coping skills

• Increased anxiety

• Weak independence & self-advocacy

How does overprotection act as a barrier to risky play?

Adults limit opportunities due to:

• Fear of judgment

• Safety regulations

• Lack of understanding of child development

• Beliefs about adult authority

What was the purpose of early playgrounds (Social Reform Movement)?

• Teach discipline, teamwork, and rules

• Promote structured, adult-directed play

How did playgrounds shift toward safety?

• Designed to eliminate injury

• Focused more on safety than development

• Became underused (less than 13% of playtime)

What is the “return to nature” movement?

• Forest/Nature Schools

• Emphasize free, unstructured outdoor play

• Encourage risk, resilience, and environmental connection

What are adventure playgrounds?

Play spaces with loose parts where children create their own environments and take controlled risks.

Common elements of adventure playgrounds?

• Loose parts (e.g., wood, tires)

• Playworkers (facilitators, not controllers)

What is the core idea of playwork?

• Freely chosen

• Personally directed

• Intrinsically motivated

What is the role of playworkers?

• Support—not control—play

• Balance risk vs developmental benefit

• Reflect on their influence

What does “as safe as necessary, not as safe as possible” mean?

• Eliminate hazards

• Allow developmentally beneficial risks

What questions should adults ask during risky play?

• “Do you feel stable?”

• “What do you notice?”

• “How are you feeling?”

• “What’s your plan?”

Encourages reflection, not control

What is “The Land”?

An adventure playground in Wales with:

• Fire, tools, loose materials

• No fixed equipment

• High child autonomy

What are adventure playgrounds based on?

Post-WWII ideas that children should:

• Experience real risk

• Build independence

• Learn through trial and error

Who influenced adventure playgrounds?

Lady Marjory Allen — criticized traditional playgrounds as boring and overly controlled.

What is the main argument of the article?

Modern childhood is overprotected, limiting risk and harming development.

What kind of environment should children have?

One that allows them to face “seemingly dangerous risks” and overcome them independently.

How does The Overprotected Kid support risky play?

It shows real examples (The Land) where children take risks and build confidence, resilience, and problem-solving skills, supporting that risky play is essential for development.

How does The Overprotected Kid reinforce risk vs hazard?

It allows manageable risks (like fire or tools) while minimizing hazards, showing the difference between learning opportunities and real danger.

How does The Overprotected Kid support “as safe as necessary”?

It shows that some risk is needed for growth, and removing all risk can limit development and learning.

What does “children as consumers” mean?

Children are targeted by marketing and seen as buyers and influencers of purchases.

What led to commercialization of play?

• End of child labour

• Mass production

• Rise of television

Why are children valuable to marketers?

• They influence parents (pester power)

• They become lifelong consumers

What was the first toy commercial?

Mattel’s burp gun—showed advertising’s strong influence on sales

How do babies interact with brands?

• Recognize brands early

• Cannot distinguish ads from content

• Parents control choices

How do children (3–6) understand ads?

• Recognize ads

• See them as fun, not persuasive

• Don’t question claims

How do children (7–11) understand ads?

• Know ads try to sell

• Still easily influenced

• Struggle with hidden advertising (YouTube, games)

How do teens understand ads?

• More skeptical

• Still influenced by influencers, data tracking, and product placement

What are the main uses of marketing to children?

• Consumption (buying)

• Education (learning through products)

• Emotional bonding

• Cultural capital (status)

• Entertainment

What are forms of toy advertising?

• Print

• TV ads

• Product placement

• Sponsorships

• Program-length commercials

What is consumer socialization?

Process where children learn to become consumers through media, parents, and peers.

What regulates advertising to children in Canada?

• No federal law

• Advertising Standards Canada (ASC)

What does Clause 12 state?

Ads must not exploit children’s naivety or vulnerability.

What does Clause 13 state?

Products for adults must not target minors.

What is pester power?

Children nag parents to buy products due to advertising influence.

What are parental responses to pester power?

• Assent (give in)

• Dissent (refuse)

• Procrastination (delay)

• Negotiation (exchange)

how does LEGO market to parents?

Emphasizes:

• Creativity

• Skill development

• Durability

What are grotesque toys?

Toys using gross or shocking elements to appeal to children and challenge norms.

What are smart toys?

Tech-based toys with AI, data tracking, or connectivity.

Why are smart toys appealing to parents?

Marketed as educational and beneficial for development.

What are concerns with smart toys?

• Data collection

• Privacy risks

• Hacking

• In-app purchases

What are kidfluencers?

Children promoting products online, often managed by parents.

What are unboxing videos?

Videos opening toys, blending entertainment with advertising.

What is a parasocial relationship?

One-sided emotional bond with media personalities.

What is digital media literacy?

Ability to understand, analyze, and question advertising.

Why is digital media literacy important?

Helps children become less influenced and more critical of ads.

What is pester power (according to Lawlor & Prothero)?

A “battle of wills” where children try to influence parents’ purchasing decisions.

What triggers pester power?

Advertising, branding, and peer influence.

How does age affect pester power?

• Under 7: parents dominate decisions

• After 7: peers and ads become more influential

What strategies do children use in pester power?

• Repeated asking

• Emotional appeals

• Negotiation

What strategies do parents use in pester power?

• Say yes (assent)

• Say no (dissent)

• Delay (procrastination)

• Bargain (negotiation)

What is the main idea of the article? Pester Power (Lawlor & Prothero, 2011)

Pester power is a negotiation process shaped by family dynamics, not just children demanding things.

How does commercialization shape childhood?

Commercialization turns children into consumers, influencing their identities, relationships, and play through advertising, branding, and digital media, while also shaping family dynamics through pester power.

What is play therapy?

A therapeutic approach using play to help children express emotions, resolve issues, and support development

What is the main goal of play therapy?

To tailor therapy to the child’s needs and support growth.

What are the main benefits of play therapy?

• Communication (self-expression)

• Emotional wellness (stress relief)

• Personal strengths (resilience, self-esteem)

• Social skills (empathy, relationships)

What are the stages of play therapy?

• Build relationship

• Express emotions

• Develop coping skills

• Integrate into daily life

What are the benefits of doll play?

• Express conflicts

• Practice life events

• Build skills

• Gain sense of control

What is doll narrative play?

Child creates stories with dolls to express emotions and experiences.

How is doll play used in medical settings?

Helps children prepare, understand, and cope with procedures.

How are dolls used in trauma?

Children act out experiences to reduce stress and gain control.

What are worry dolls?

Dolls children tell worries to, helping reduce anxiety.

How are dollhouses used therapeutically?

Show family dynamics and relationships.

What is puppet therapy?

Using puppets for symbolic play and expression.

Benefits of puppet play?

• Safe self-expression

• Emotional release (catharsis)

• Problem-solving

• Social skill development

What types of puppets are used?

• Animals

• Fantasy

• People (diverse)

• Special roles (doctor, police)

What is sandtray therapy?

Using sand + miniatures to express inner thoughts nonverbally.

Benefits of sandtray therapy?

• Express emotions

• Reduce resistance

• Create psychological distance

What are core components of sandtray?

• Sandtray

• Sand

• Miniatures (400–500 items)

What is game play in therapy?

Using games to support communication and learning.

Types of game play?

• Physical

• Strategy

• Chance

Benefits of game play?

• Reduces anxiety

• Builds social skills

• Improves communication

How do games help with anxiety?

Provide structure, comfort, and coping practice.

How do games support social-emotional learning?

Help children identify and express emotions.

How do games support emotion regulation?

Teach patience, coping, and impulse control.

What is the main idea of Chung et al. (2023)?

Play materials must be intentionally chosen to support therapy.

Why are play materials important?

They shape how children communicate and engage in therapy.

What should therapists consider when choosing materials?

• Developmental level

• Accessibility

• Cultural relevance

Why is cultural representation important?

Helps children feel included, understood, and connected.

What environmental factors matter?

• Room layout

• Accessibility (e.g., wheelchair access)

• Sensory experience

Key questions for selecting materials?

• What is the purpose?

• Does it support expression?

• Does it build relationships?

• Does it reflect identity/culture?

How does Chung et al. support the idea of play therapy?

It shows therapy depends on intentional materials, not just play itself.

How does Chung et al. connect to benefits of play therapy?

The right materials improve communication, emotional expression, and engagement.

How does Chung et al. relate to different play types (dolls, puppets, sandtray)?

It explains why therapists must carefully choose these tools to match child needs

How does Chung et al. connect to cultural competence?

It emphasizes including diverse and culturally relevant materials to support identity.

How does Chung et al. connect to the therapeutic relationship?

Appropriate materials help build trust, comfort, and rapport.

Why is play therapy effective for children?

It allows children to communicate through play instead of words, while carefully chosen materials and activities support emotional expression, coping, and development.

What are the main benefits of sports?

• Mental/emotional/social: reduced stress, higher self-esteem, improved cognitive performance, increased life satisfaction

• Physical: improved cardiovascular fitness, stronger bones, reduced risk of diseases (e.g., diabetes, cancer)

• Educational/career: teamwork, leadership, higher academic achievement

• Lifelong participation: early participation increases likelihood of adult participation (~73%)

Does the UNCRC explicitly guarantee the right to play sports?

No. Article 31 guarantees the right to leisure and play, but not specifically sports. However, multiple articles apply to sport contexts.

Which UNCRC articles relate to children in sport? Article 3

Best interests of the child

Which UNCRC articles relate to children in sport? Article 12

Children’s views must be considered

Which UNCRC articles relate to children in sport? Article 19

Protection from violence/abuse

Which UNCRC articles relate to children in sport? Article 32

Protection from harmful work/exploitation

Which UNCRC articles relate to children in sport? Articles 9 & 10

Family life and contact