A new study conducted by the Florida Atlantic University has suggested that a rise in mental health disorders in children and adolescents can be owed to the decline in the opportunities for independent play through recent years such as roaming around and playing around without adult supervision. In 2021, the rate of anxiety and depression in teens was at an all-time high and was declared a national emergency. Children and teens need more opportunities to be able to contribute to family conversations and community life in order to feel trusted, responsible, and capable of being able to effectively manage the real world. Contrary to popular belief, allowing children to engage in risky play helps them prevent future phobias and reduces anxiety for unknown and “scary” situations which as a result, promotes self-confidence. Over the recent years, many factors have resulted in this reduction in play, including longer school hours and the pandemic. The fear of academic failure and insufficient achievement has been a large source of distress for teens and prevents time for individual play. The pandemic has led to parents wanting to take extra measures to protect their children, increasing schooling both in and out of school, and restricting independent play from fear. Even though parental guidance is needed in younger years, it needs to be recognized that adolescents need their freedom to be able to grow both physically and mentally.

Read the full article here!: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/03/230309101330.htm

Tulsi Patel

Research Assistant, UConn KIDS

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