Children's active play: Self-reported motivators, barriers and facilitators

Girls' and boys' active play outdoors differs in terms of activities, location, and social context

Active play, unstructured physical activity that takes place outdoors in a child’s free time, may be an important contributor to children’s overall physical activity levels, as well as children’s physical and mental health. In this study, Brockman and colleagues investigated children’s perceptions of play, engagement in active play, the contexts of children’s active play, and factors that limit and facilitate active play. The purpose of this study was to document and interpret children’s voices to better understand that attributes of their play as a foundation for possible interventions to increase children’s physical activity.

Researchers interviewed, in small focus groups, 77 10- to 11-year old children from four primary schools in Bristol, UK. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and then analyzed according to major themes.

Brockman and colleagues reported a number of interesting findings, including the following:
Children reported that they took part in active play for enjoyment, to prevent boredom, for physical and mental health benefits, and for freedom from adult control.
Children’s activities during active play varied by gender. Active play for boys often involved specific activities, such as riding bikes or playing ball games, while active play for girls involved less specific activities, such as playing outside in garden areas with family, friends or pets.
Where children engaged in active play also varied by gender. Girls’ active play generally happened closer to home, whereas boys’ active play tended to happen in neighborhood green spaces or the streets.
Who children engaged in active play with varied by gender. Boys most often reported engaging in active play with neighborhood friends, while girls engaged in active play with family members.
Children reported that their active play was constrained by several factors, including rainy weather and the presence of groups of older children, especially for girls.
Children mentioned using cul-de-sacs and green spaces as places to play.
Children reported that using a mobile phone to communicate with their parents while out of the house facilitated their ability to engage in active play.

This study provides valuable information on a topic that had previously received little attention. This study highlights children’s active play from their own perspectives and demonstrates important gender differences in active play, as well as factors that facilitate and limit children’s active play. The authors offer suggestions for additional research and address some policy implications.