Children 'need to be encouraged to try new activities'

Published on 09-06-2010

Summary: All youngsters should get the opportunity to experience outdoor activities, according to government officials.

Parents and teachers need to stop wrapping children up in cotton wool and let them try new outdoor activities, it has been suggested.

Scotland's Children's Commissioner Tam Baillie has helped officials come up with a guidance document that allows individuals to make decisions on appropriate risk taking.

He indicated that if kids do not get the chance to try new activities and take risks they will not be able to learn from their actions.

The advice, called Go Outdoors, features guidance from the Scottish Institute for Residential Childcare and director of the organisation Jennifer Davidson thinks the recommendations come not a moment too soon.

She explained all children should be able to experience outdoor activities without people worrying about being blamed if something goes wrong.

Spokeswoman for Scottish Tory Education, Liz Smith, added: "We're in danger of calling a halt to extra-curricular activities because of our litigious society."

Last month, Dr Miriam Stoppard stated children need to try more activities rather than stay indoors, as kids who play sports benefit by learning lessons like working as a team and keeping fit, the Daily Mirror reported.

Posted by Katie Finch

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