Playing Under Watchful Eyes: A Case Study on How Adult Perceptions of Risk Shape Children's Play in Kindergarten

Children’s play nurtures self-confidence, resilience, and risk management, however, concerns about safety and cultural norms often limit these opportunities, affecting children’s development. This study explores how early childhood educators and parents perceive risk and danger and how these views influence supervision. Data were collected through interviews with 4 practitioners, 5 support staff, and 16 parents, alongside observations of play interactions regarding 47 children. Tools included the “Children’s Physical Environment Rating Scale” (CPERS) for outdoor spaces, a questionnaire on risk perceptions, and play interaction observations. The institution’s CPERS score of 1.80 indicated positive play experiences but highlighted safety concerns. Educators distinguished risk from danger, recognizing that mild risks build resilience, yet restricted some areas and materials. Parents valued outdoor play for its health, creativity, and social benefits but cited barriers like traffic and limited spaces. Overemphasis on safety creates restrictive environments, emphasizing the need to balance safety with healthy risk-taking.