How Playground Markings Help Reduce Bullying
Schools, and school playgrounds in general, are known as the main area where children socialise the most. Those are the spaces where children have the amazing opportunity to not only learn new things and educate themselves about the world around them, but to also meet many of their school peers.
It is the very first distinctive social environment they encounter and as amazing and as fun as it can be, things can also sometimes turn ugly. Young children are often naive, and they may not always have the ability to tell the difference between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ behaviour. This can often lead to confrontations and even bullying.
Playground markings have the unsaid reputation of giving playgrounds a kind of structure and can create distinct zones or areas. There is a somewhat importance to setting those subtle and gentle boundaries that can turn to be invaluable to all the young individuals. It gives them the freedom to join different games and playing groups, or the safe space in which they can just sit and take a breath. A very good example of the different characteristics or personalities found in children is the quieter child vs the sportier child. As it is very unlikely for a group of children who have just decided to chat and relax, to position themselves near the ‘boundaries’ of an ongoing football game.
This is extremely beneficial as it gives both the groups the opportunity to enjoy their chosen activities and to socialise in their own ways in which they feel comfortable. Giving children the opportunity to have a choice will help teach them how to act in different social groups and how to interact with different personalities better. In this way, it will also be easier for children to socialise and find friends with similar interests as they can just join the groups and games they feel most comfortable taking part in.
A great way of encouraging friendly behaviour and helping children that perhaps feel quite lonely is to have a friendship stop playground marking where they can go and meet new friends.
And this goes for the playground area as well as the classroom. It is a common thing for friendships to be formed on the playground and later strengthened in the classroom itself, and vice versa. Not to mention that it has been proven that physical activity improves mental health and social behaviour in children. This, of course, leads to better communication between children as they feel more relaxed, stress free and generally happier. Many also believe that when children have the chance and opportunity to burn off their energy outside, they will be calmer and more concentrated in the classroom and less likely to pick on anyone!
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