It’s All Fun and Games… Until Someone Gets Hurt

How the right safety messages can help children take smarter risks

For many international families living in the Netherlands, childhood means bikes, playgrounds, schoolyards, sports clubs, and a culture that encourages independence from an early age. This freedom is wonderful for children’s development—but it can also come with risks.

Recent research highlights something many parents recognize intuitively: when children are excited and in a very positive mood, they are more likely to take physical risks. The good news? The way adults talk to children about safety really matters—and can significantly reduce risky behaviour.

Why do happy kids take more risks?

Unintentional injuries are one of the leading causes of preventable harm in children in countries like Canada and the United States, and the situation is similar in many Western countries, including the Netherlands.

Research has consistently shown that:

• Physical risk-taking increases injury risk in school-age children

• High-energy, happy moods (think excitement during play) make children more likely to act impulsively

When children feel great, their brains are less focused on consequences and more focused on fun. This is especially relevant in moments when adults step back—after school, at playdates, or when children are playing independently.

What this new study explored

In a study published in April 2024 in the Canadian Journal of Behavioural Science, psychologist Barbara Morrongiello and her research team examined whether specific safety messages could help children make safer choices—even when they were feeling very excited.

The study involved:

• Children aged 7–10 years

• A situation designed to boost positive mood (excitement)

• An indoor obstacle course where children could take physical risks

• Three types of messages:

  1. Gain-framed messages (focus on staying safe)

  2. Loss-framed messages (focus on what could go wrong)

  3. Neutral messages (no safety focus)

What the researchers found

As expected, when children were put in a very positive mood, their risk-taking increased.

However:

• Both gain-framed and loss-framed safety messages reduced risky behaviour

• Loss-framed messages were especially effective

In other words, how adults talk about safety can counteract the “over-excited” effect and help children slow down—even when they are feeling energetic and happy.

Gain-framed vs. loss-framed messages: what’s the difference?

Here’s how these messages might sound in everyday family life:

Gain-framed messages (what to do to stay safe)

• “If you slow down on your bike, you’re more likely to stay in control.”

• “Using your helmet helps keep your head safe.”

• “Watching where you step helps you avoid falling.”

These messages focus on positive outcomes and skill-building.

Loss-framed messages (what could happen if you don’t)

• “If you run too fast here, you could slip and hurt yourself.”

• “Not wearing a helmet can lead to a serious head injury.”

• “Jumping from that height could mean a broken bone.”

These messages clearly name potential consequences—without being dramatic or frightening.

Why this matters for international families in the Netherlands

Many international parents notice that:

• Dutch culture encourages early independence

• Children are often expected to judge risk on their own

• Supervision norms may differ from what parents are used to

This research suggests that children can learn to regulate risk—but they need clear, well-framed guidance, especially in moments of excitement.

Importantly, the study shows that:

• Safety messages don’t have to be long lectures

• Short, clear statements can influence behaviour

• Children can understand and respond to realistic warnings

Practical tips for parents

Here’s how you can apply this research at home:

1. Time your safety messages wisely

Give reminders before play starts or right as excitement is rising, not after an accident has already happened.

2. Be clear, calm, and specific

Avoid vague warnings like “Be careful.” Instead:

• “Running inside makes it easier to slip.”

• “That branch might not hold your weight.”

3. Don’t avoid talking about consequences

Naming realistic risks does not mean scaring children. It helps them connect actions to outcomes.

4. Adjust messages to your child’s age

School-age children (7–10 years) are especially able to understand cause and effect when it’s explained clearly.

5. Remember: excitement + independence = higher risk

After school, during playdates, or at sports activities are key moments to check in.

Supporting safe independence

At Baumgarten Child Psychology and More, we often support international families in finding the balance between encouraging independence and ensuring safety. Research like this reminds us that children don’t need constant supervision—but they do benefit from thoughtful communication.

By using well-framed safety messages, parents can help children enjoy freedom, fun, and exploration—while reducing unnecessary risks.

If you’d like support around parenting, child behaviour, or adjusting to family life in the Netherlands, we’re here to help.

Reference

Morrongiello, B. A., Seasons, M., Weinberger, E., & Zolis, C. (2024).Can exposure to framed messages about safety reduce risk behaviours by school-age children?Canadian Journal of Behavioural Science / Revue canadienne des sciences du comportement. Advance online publication.