Are helicoptored kids more likely to get herpes?
This research project has been investigating the literature around the reduction in outdoor play opportunities and the reported reductions in young people's 'grit', self-confidence and self-care.
Why? Hackney, like most of the UK, has seen a huge drop in teenage pregnancy. But Hackney also has the second highest rate of sexually transmitted infections in the country, a statistic that has risen fast over the last few years.
Teachers, psychologists, doctors and university administrators are raising concerns that children are more risk averse, less resilient and less prepared for adult life than previous generations.
What, if anything, has play got to do with it?
Thanks to Hackney's Public Health fund we started investigating this huge issue. The project has published an interim report, and we are looking for further support to complete the research. The more we learn, the more fascinating it gets...
If you want to keep up-to-date with developments, bookmark the Dangerous Play blog below.
