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Young Children’s Play Fighting and Use of War Toys
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Young Children’s Play Fighting and Use of War Toys

Jennifer L Hart and Michelle T Tannock
Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development, pp.1-5
Centre of Excellence for Early Childhood Development (CEECD) and Strategic Knowledge Cluster on Early Child Development (SKC-ECD)
2013
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Abstract

Specialist Studies in Education play fighting war toys young children
Adults often perceive young children's play fighting and use of war toys as violent or aggressive behaviour rather than beneficial to their development. Movies (e.g., Star Wars), books (e.g., Harry Potter), national figures (e.g. military forces), community helpers (e.g., police officers), professional sports (e.g., rugby) and commercial toys (e.g., Nerf guns) influence young children's desire to engage in such play. In spite of that, educational programs often either discourage or ban this controversial form of play resulting in contrasting societal messaging for young children related to the appropriateness of play fighting and war toys. For example, fencing, an international sport, where those who excel are awarded medals, features three types of bladed weapons maneuvered in actions representative of fighting. Further, police officers use stun guns, firearms, and tear gas, yet are often recognized as instrumental for any society seeking to protect citizens. A closer look at the characteristics of children's play fighting and use of war toys will indicate that the behaviour is voluntary, choreographed, enjoyable and usually proceeds with caution and care.

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