AGE APPROPRIATE PLAY

 TEENAGERS SEE AND BE SEEN 10+ YEARS  

• ABC: Agility, balance and coordination 
• Speed, endurance and strength 
• Places for socialising

STAYING ACTIVE

Teenagers’ growth is so intense that it dramatically challenges their sense of balance. They need to build up strength, endurance and speed. Opportunities to meet and move are crucial to teenagers, not least because physical activity seems to be declining in this age group. Statistics show an alarming growth in the number of teens that are physically inactive.

Teenagers say their favourite activities in play spaces are swings, climbing equipment, trim trails and ball game pitches.
Activities that are challenging and seem somewhat daring are the most popular.

STAYING FRIENDS

During the teenage years, social interaction with peers becomes more important than ever. 
Teenagers need to be with and make new friends, preferably in large groups. This is essential when designing for them.  

STAYING AWARE

Just one session of play and physical activity during the school day reaps huge rewards. Statistics show that active children respond more positively when back at their desks, recording on average an improvement of 6% in test scores over a three-year period with one in five more likely to get a top mark in mathematics or English. Teachers too benefit, they report that a 21% decrease in time used to manage behaviour.