Children's psychological development needs urban green playspaces in Bangladesh

In Bangladesh's busy cities, where skyscrapers rise and concrete jungles grow, children's voices are often unheard. It is these voices that mark a nation's future-laughing, questioning, and exploring. The rapid urbanization of cities like Dhaka and Chittagong raises the question: are we creating spaces for children that foster their psychological development? In light of global trends and research, urban green playgrounds may be an effective solution to the problem.

A child's mental well-being and cognitive abilities are significantly impacted by the built environment. Even small exposures to green spaces improve social skills, attention spans, and stress levels. Children's play areas in Bangladesh are often poorly maintained parks or small, makeshift spaces that do not meet their developmental needs. Children are deprived of physical activity and psychological growth due to this limitation. Green playspaces stimulate children's imagination and creativity, providing opportunities for unstructured play—a key component of psychological development.

A 2022 study published in Frontiers in Psychology emphasized that children who regularly interact with nature exhibit higher levels of cognitive functioning and emotional resilience. Green spaces offer multisensory experiences-such as touching leaves, listening to birdsong, or feeling soil texture-that enhance neural pathways associated with learning and memory. Furthermore, such environments encourage social interaction, fostering empathy, cooperation, and communication skills. It can serve as a counterbalance to the growing screen time epidemic that isolates children from the natural world. This diminishes their ability to play imaginatively. However, urban playgrounds are often overlooked in city planning in Bangladesh. Inaccessible parks are either poorly designed or lack consideration for children's developmental needs due to location and safety concerns. The absence of shaded areas, interactive elements, or secure fencing, for instance, makes such spaces less appealing to parents and children.

Over 22 million people live in Dhaka, which has less than 5% green space. This is significantly lower than the World Health Organization's recommendation of 9 square meters per person. This lack of green areas directly affects children's mental and physical health. This contributes to rising anxiety, obesity, and attention deficit disorders among urban youth. Green spaces have been successfully incorporated into urban planning in countries like Singapore and Denmark. Green infrastructure creates vibrant, child-friendly environments even in densely populated cities. This practice can be adapted in Bangladesh because of its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Creating effective green playgrounds in Bangladesh requires a multidisciplinary approach, blending architecture, environmental science, psychology, and urban planning. Research conducted in tropical climates suggests several design elements that could be particularly beneficial in Bangladesh:

Incorporating native plants, water features, and uneven terrains can create stimulating play environments. For example, a study from the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health highlighted that children interacting with natural materials develop better problem-solving skills and motor coordination. Green playgrounds should reflect local cultural narratives to make them more relatable to children. Spaces inspired by Bengali folklore or traditional rural landscapes can foster identity and pride. Given Bangladesh's vulnerability to heatwaves and floods, playgrounds should include shaded areas, proper drainage systems, and heat-resistant materials to ensure usability throughout the year. Accessible and secure spaces are essential for children with varying abilities.

Green playgrounds are essential, but their implementation requires political will. Urban green spaces are often encroached upon and neglected due to competing land uses and weak zoning laws. Planned green playgrounds are a necessity, not a luxury, for public health. Allocating funds for the development and maintenance of these spaces should be a priority. Partnerships with private developers can also be explored, where green playgrounds are included as mandatory components in housing projects. Moreover, community involvement is crucial to the success of such initiatives. Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to health, education, and sustainable cities, make urban green playgrounds increasingly important. These spaces contribute not only to children's psychological development, but also to community cohesion. Urban planning faces societal challenges. A paradigm shift is needed to integrate green playgrounds in a country where rapid urbanization prioritizes economic growth over ecological balance. Individual well-being and societal progress can be enhanced by evidence-based advocacy for green spaces.