THE EFFECT OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ON CHILDREN FROM THE VIEWPOINT OF PARENTS

Abstract

Purpose The main purpose of this case study is to investigate the effect of increasing negative risk factors on children in outdoor playgrounds. There is a close relationship between children's playgrounds and children's health and safety in the open green areas that are gradually decreasing in the urban landscape. Children are faced with increasing parental concerns (abduction, harassment, self-harm, and inability to socialize), attention deficit in children, obesity and depression diseases. For this reason, the quality and livability of the environment we live in appear as factors that affect the decisions of parents on their children. Design/Methodology/Approach In this study, environmental factors and the quality of the environment were examined and the study questioning the concerns of parents about the use of children's playgrounds was discussed in three parts. The first part of the study consists of (i) the examination of children's playgrounds by the parents, the second part consists of (ii) the socio-demographic characteristics of the parents and the third part consists of (iii) the evaluation of the park criteria. Findings The findings obtained show that that parents with young children (2-4 years) (r =-,191*; r =,214**) prefer shopping malls suitable for all weather conditions (r =,261**) if there is not a playground in the garden of the house lived, but in some cases, the shopping mall is not preferred due to the risk of disease transmission and it brings a serious financial burden to families (r =-,163*), and if the parents are given a chance to prefer, they prefer a natural playground made of natural materials (r =-,220*). However, fathers did not prefer to wait at a very close distance for a well-groomed (r =,176*) control (r =,228*) where their children can spend time with their friends (r=,247**) on weekends alone (r =,166*), but it was determined that they were worried about their children being excluded and harmed by their friends (r =,249**). Research Limitations/Implications Children are faced with increasing parental concerns (abduction, harassment, self-harm, and inability to socialize), attention deficit in children, obesity and depression diseases. Originality/Value These data show that "play" has positive effects on children's health, and provides benefit in exploring children's creativity, sharpening their thinking skills and environmental awareness. Based on the results of the article, suggestions were developed on how designers, planners and park managers can implement the results in order to eliminate parents' fears and increase their motivation to take their children to children's playgrounds.