B-challenged: Co-creating Physical and Social Environments to Promote Children's Active Outdoor Play
The 'B-challenged' study aims to tackle why children, especially those in less privileged neighbourhoods, aren't active enough or eating healthy. Many children don't get enough outdoor play because safe spaces are limited and healthy food can be harder to access. This study will work closely with children aged 6-12, their families, and local communities in five European countries, including the UK, to design and test new ways to make it easier for kids to play outside and choose healthy foods. The goal is to create long-lasting improvements in their neighbourhoods that encourage an active and healthy lifestyle for all children, with a focus on fair opportunities regardless of their background.
At a glance
What is this study about?
The 'B-challenged' study is looking into why many children don't get enough physical activity or eat as healthily as recommended. We know that these unhealthy habits can increase the risk of illnesses later in life, and unfortunately, this problem often affects children from less well-off backgrounds more severely from a young age. One big reason kids aren't active enough is that they don't have enough opportunities for outdoor play – perhaps because there aren't safe and inviting places to play nearby, or affordable after-school activities.
At the same time, it's very easy for children today to find cheap, unhealthy snacks and spend a lot of time on screens. The 'B-challenged' project wants to change this. They will work directly with children aged 6-12 living in these communities, along with their parents, teachers, and local decision-makers to come up with ideas. Together, they will create and try out new improvements to their local areas and social activities to encourage more active outdoor play and healthier eating habits.
This study will involve five European countries, including the UK, and will look at the bigger picture – like the neighbourhood and family life – to make sure any improvements are practical and long-lasting. By involving everyone, from children themselves to policy makers, the study hopes to find the best ways to help children grow up healthier and be more active, and then share these ideas widely so other communities can benefit too.
Key takeaways
- Aims to help children aged 6-12 in less privileged areas be more active and eat healthier.
- Works with children, families, and local communities to improve play spaces and healthy food choices.
- Involves five European countries looking at fairness in children's health.
- No medication, focuses on community and environmental changes.
- Designed to create lasting positive changes in communities.
- Participation is voluntary and you can withdraw at any time.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for two main groups of children to take part, both from urban areas that are considered less well-off. There are also opportunities for adults to be involved.
Firstly, some children, aged between 9 and 12 years old, will be chosen as 'co-researchers'. This means they will work closely with the study team to help design and develop the new ideas and activities.
Secondly, other children, aged between 6 and 12 years old, will be invited to take part in seeing if the new ideas work. These children will need to live in the same neighbourhood as the child co-researchers. For adults, involvement will depend on a process of identifying key people in the community.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Does your child live in an urban neighbourhood that is considered less well-off?
- Is your child aged between 6 and 12 years old?
- If your child is aged 9-12, are they interested in helping to design new community projects?
- Are you an adult living or working in one of these communities and interested in contributing?
What does participation involve?
The study aims to create and test new ways to encourage active outdoor play and healthy eating within communities. If you or your child are involved, it might mean taking part in activities designed for promoting play, or engaging with new local facilities. There isn't any medication involved. For children selected as 'co-researchers', they will work alongside the study team to help shape the project. For other children and adults, participation might involve surveys or observations to see the impact of the changes. The exact duration of participation would depend on your specific role within the study.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (5)
- University of Southern DenmarkVerified postcodeOdense, Denmark
- University of Bremen, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and EpidemiologyVerified postcodeBremen, Germany
- Amsterdam UMC, location VUmcVerified postcodeAmsterdam, Netherlands
- Institute of Mother and ChildVerified postcodeWarsaw, Poland
- Fundación Instituto Investigación Sanitaria AragónVerified postcodeZaragoza, Spain
Common questions
What does 'co-creating' mean?
It means the study team will work together with children, parents, and community members to design and develop new ideas and improvements, rather than doing it all themselves.
What kind of improvements will they make?
They will look at both physical changes, like making outdoor spaces better for play, and social changes, like creating new activities or making healthy food options more accessible.
Which countries are involved?
The study is taking place in five European countries: Denmark, Germany, Spain, Poland, and the Netherlands. The UK is also involved.
Is this study safe for my child?
Yes, activities will be designed to be safe, focusing on improving local environments and encouraging healthy habits. There are no medications or invasive procedures.
Can my child definitely join?
Children need to be between 6 and 12 years old and live in one of the specific less well-off urban neighbourhoods chosen for the study. There are also specific roles for older children (9-12) as 'co-researchers'.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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