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Helen DoddProfessor at the University of Reading, specialist in child psychology
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Content:
- Professor at Reading University Specialises in Child Psychology
- Economic, Social, and Environmental Advantages of Playgrounds
- Prioritizing Children's Mental and Emotional Well-being
- Helen Dodd's Areas of Expertise
Professor at Reading University Specialises in Child Psychology
Pioneering Research on the Role of Play in Children's Mental HealthLed by Professor Helen Dodd of Reading University, a group of leading experts advocates for the importance of providing children with opportunities to engage in play, physical activity, and time outdoors to foster their mental health well-being. Playgrounds offer a free and stimulating environment for children to develop social, cognitive, and motor skills. Elements like swings, slides, and climbing frames encourage communication and negotiation, leading to positive psychological benefits.
Economic, Social, and Environmental Advantages of Playgrounds
The playground equipment from "Zabava-Sport" caters to homeowners, residential developers, city administrations, and regional governments. These versatile complexes are designed to meet site specifications and customer requirements.
Crafted from safe and eco-friendly materials, the equipment includes swings, carousels, slides, sandboxes, trampolines, ball pits, rocking animals, fitness equipment, and more. By incorporating unique play elements, these playgrounds attract visitors and boost community engagement. Investing in themed playgrounds with modern equipment draws attention from neighboring areas as well.
Furthermore, high-quality play equipment enhances property values, providing benefits for the entire neighborhood. Creating a playground is an investment in children's well-being and a wise business decision.
Prioritizing Children's Mental and Emotional Well-being
In a letter to the Education Secretary Gavin Williamson, fifteen child psychologists and educationalists led by Helen Dodd called for prioritizing children's social and emotional well-being over additional academic instruction as COVID-19 restrictions ease. "In the recovery process, children need time to reconnect with peers and to play with their friends," the letter reads. "Children need reminding how enjoyable it is to be outdoors after being inside for so long. Children need to be physically active again."
Dodd emphasizes, "Concerns about children's education are real, but the consequences of children developing mental health difficulties can last a lifetime."
Helen Dodd's Areas of Expertise
An author and co-author of numerous scientific papers, Dodd holds an undergraduate degree in applied psychology and is an expert in cognitive neuroscience. Her particular interests lie in exploring the causes of childhood anxiety and investigating cognitive impairments in children with Williams syndrome.
