Playgrounds necessary for mental development

EXPERTS in early childhood development are calling for more playgrounds to be built in urban areas, underscoring that such facilities are crucial for physical and emotional growth.

The lack of such spaces, they warned, could push children to spend more time on electronic devices, which may prove unhealthy for their progress.

Dignity for Children Foundation international travel and learning coordinator Richard Kishore Joseph said playgrounds offered imaginative play where children could explore rich sensory experiences.

The foundation is a non- profit organisation focused on education and care for underprivileged children.

Richard says playgrounds offer children rich sensorial experiences.

“Playgrounds are like a gymnasium for the brain which help stimulate cognitive development and creativity.

“They also offer a setting for problem solving and social interaction, both vital for developing critical thinking and emotional intelligence.

“In fact, play activities have been linked to a 20% increase in cognitive function in young children,” said Richard.

He said activities at playgrounds may help children develop motor skills.

“Children who lack access to these facilities may go on to lead a sedentary lifestyle, exposing them to health issues later on,” he said.

Social expert Prof Datuk Dr Mohamad Shatar Sabran said youths growing up in urban areas were at risk of falling behind in their communication skills.

“Due to a lack of play spaces, more are becoming engrossed in their gadgets, which takes their focus away from developing interpersonal skills,” he said.

Prof Mohamad Shatar says youths growing up in urban areas are at risk of falling behind in their communication skills.

Prof Mohamad Shatar said developers were required to build playgrounds in housing projects as per local authorities’ guidelines.

“If the developers can’t do this, they should at least allocate a vacant lot where children can play,” he stressed.

Echoing similar sentiments, Richard said playgrounds also served as a common area for communities and neighbourhoods to bond.

“Here, parents have a chance to interact with one another, which helps foster a sense of community belonging,” he said.

To ensure better upkeep of playgrounds, Richard proposed a public-private partnership to fund the maintenance works. — By FARID WAHAB