At a young age, when the minds and bodies of children are progressing through the physical and mental developmental stages, children are at an increased risk of unintentional injuries as they begin to explore their independence and curiosity. Unintentional injuries occur without the intent of harm. This paper will identify the different types of play, and explore some of the challenges associated with the prevention of unintentional injuries. The term "free-play" often refers to play that does not revolve around external rules and structures. As noted in the journal article Risky Play and Children's Safety: Balancing Priorities for Optimal Child Development written by M., Brussoni, L L., Olsen, I., Pike & D A., Sleet, 'there are 3 main forms of play: physical activity (e.g., exercise play, rough-and-tumble play); object play (e.g., manipulating objects, toys); and pretend play (e.g., socio-dramatic)'. Risky play can be defined as play that can pose potential risks or occurrence of injury, with the "involvement of heights, speed, dangerous tools, or near dangerous elements, and where children can get lost" (Brussoni et al., 2012).
There are many factors that influence the effectiveness of preventative interventions and strategies aimed to reduce the incidence of unintentional injury. These factors have been identified in the research review journal article 'Barriers to, and facilitators of, the prevention of unintentional injury in children in the home: a systematic review and synthesis of qualitative research' (J., Smithson, R., Garside, & M. Pearson). The article identifies the following factors reduce the effectiveness of injury prevention: socio-economic circumstances, financial costs of safety device installation and repairs, and poorly educated families. The study conducted found that there were many limitations on safety strategies and injury prevention for those living in rented or overcrowded living conditions.
