아동의 놀 권리 강화를 위한 지역사회 환경 조성 방안

Abstract

The purposes of this study are to investigate mothers’ and children’s perceptions, practice and needs of play and to provide implications for policies to promote children’s right to play. This study particularly focuses on play of children aged between 3 and 8 years old (preschoolers and lower graders in elementary schools).

706 mothers (350 mothers of preschoolers; 356 mothers of 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders in elementary schools) reported on the current situations of their child’s play (e.g., when/where/how their child plays, whom their child plays with, what changes occur after their child entering elementary schools, etc.) and mothers’ primary needs for supporting children’s play. 49 children (25 preschoolers; 24 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders) were interviewed to figure out children’s perceptions of their own play and their needs for better play. Finally, national and international cases of building community playgrounds were introduced to examine how community members and children participated in creating or renewing community playground to encourage young children’s play.

About 70% of mothers did not have a clear understanding of children’s right to play (UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, Article 31), although they tend more to believe children’s play is important for healthy development. Study results revealed that lack of outdoor spaces (e.g., playgrounds, children’s park), play time and playmates were the main challenges which discouraged children’s play. Due to these challenges, children might depend more on the Internet and social media. Children aged 3-8 years old pointed out that they primarily wanted to play with their parents. School aged children had less opportunities to play compared to preschoolers because of pressure for educational achievement and private education.

Results of this study suggest that government and communities need to start from building ‘family-friendly environments’ to establish ‘child-centered play environments’ for young children. In addition, children’s play space, play time, and playmates should be considered together to strengthen the overall quality of children’s play. Finally, young children’s use of internet and media for play needs to be discussed in depth to minimize its negative effects.