Change of School Playground Environment on Bullying: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: To investigate whether increasing risk and challenge in primary school playgrounds influences interactions between children.

Methods: In a 2-year cluster-randomized controlled trial, 8 control schools were asked to not change their play environment, whereas 8 intervention schools increased opportunities for risk and challenge (eg, rough-and-tumble play), reduced rules, and added loose parts (eg, tires). Children ( = 840), parents ( = 635), and teachers ( = 90) completed bullying questionnaires at baseline, 1 (postintervention), and 2 (follow-up) years.

Efficacy of a compulsory homework programme for increasing physical activity and healthy eating in children: the healthy homework pilot study.

Background: Most physical activity and nutrition interventions in children focus on the school setting; however, evidence suggests that children are less active and have greater access to unhealthy food at home. The aim of this pilot study was to examine the efficacy of a compulsory homework programme for increasing physical activity and healthy eating in children.

Methods: The six-week 'Healthy Homework' programme and complementary teaching resource was developed under the guidance of an intersectoral steering group.