Comment: Do our streets make a suitable playground?

Two experts give their opinion:

NO - Keith Iriving

PLAYING out on the streets is an excellent way for children to get to know their neighbourhood and to become part of the community. It strengthens friendships, keeps children healthy and helps them to cope with risky situations. But the social use of our streets has deteriorated through a shift in society’s perceptions of danger, and an increase in the priority given to motor traffic. Research commissioned by Living Streets in 2009 found that almost half of all children never play out on their streets, in direct contrast to their grandparents. Streets have transformed from social hubs into no-go areas for children.

So what needs to happen to reverse this trend? Reducing motor traffic and encouraging walking is crucial. Our streets are dominated by cars. Official Scottish Government policy, Designing Streets, provides the following principle: “A significant amount of interaction within a community takes place in the external environment, and street design should encourage this by creating inclusive social spaces where children can play, people can stop to chat, and other appropriate activities can take place safely.”

The welcome play strategy must take this into account. Streets designed with people in mind, with slower speeds and improved accessibility, are the way to bring Glasgow’s streets back to life. • Keith Irving is Living Streets Scotland Manager

YES - Andrea McMillan

IT’S good to play outside. Most adults have fond memories of building dens, playing with ropes or just going for a game of football in the park with their pals. Why today’s children are often denied the same life-forming experiences is a question which must be addressed.

Studies have shown that playing freely out of doors can be more physically intensive than an organised sports activity.

It’s what children and young people say they want to do. In a survey of more than 300 children in Glasgow, 88 per cent said their favourite place to play is outdoors or in the park.

Good places to play have a positive impact on the community. Places where children can be seen having fun and enjoying themselves makes everyone feel better about that place.

Playing outside supports free play, choice and decision-making which are all essential for healthy development. It is important to be engaged and involved with the environment from a young age, learning how to negotiate the world around you.

Learning through play does not need to be confined to the classroom. Children and young people should be visible within our communities and not confined to designated spaces, agreed by adults.

• Andrea McMillan is Learning Manager for Glasgow Life