Research suggests healthy risk-taking supports adolescent wellbeing

In brief

A researcher from the University of Notre Dame Australia helped write a new position statement suggesting that healthy risk-taking through play helps adolescents develop resilience, confidence, and lifelong wellbeing. The document, titled Growing Through Risk: Supporting Play and Wellbeing from 9-15 years, is the first position statement of its kind to focus specifically on risky play for this age group.

Produced by Play Australia (IPA Australia) with funding from the Victorian Government, the statement uses research evidence to redefine how experts view risky play. An expert group representing adolescents and professionals from the education, community, safety, and allied health sectors contributed to the document. The release coincided with the United Nations International Youth Day.