Dr. Mariana Brussoni

she/her; Developmental psychologist & director @HELP_UBC; I study how to bring risk back to children's play. Lab: @OutsidePlayUBC;

[Dr. Mariana Brussoni @mbrussoni]

Find me and our lab on:
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[Dr. Mariana Brussoni @mbrussoni]

Thank you @TheEconomist for featuring #riskyplay and the importance of freeing kids to be kids
https://t.co/G62ZnNqcMb

[🔥Teachers On Fire @TeachersOnFire]

Could it be that our schools are TOO SAFE?

Join me for a fascinating conversation with @MBrussoni and @RoomToPlay about child development, affordable risks, and outdoor play in our schools.

0:00:00 - Welcoming Dr. Mariana Brussoni and Dr. Megan Zeni

2:00 - Distinguishing between RISKS and HAZARDS in the school environment

5:24 - As safe as necessary but not as safe as possible

7:14 - Surplus safety as a barrier to development

10:06 - The 17-second pause before intervening

12:42 - Links between the decline of risky play and the rise in student anxiety

18:35 - Creating 'Yes spaces' in our schools

27:02 - Healthy rough-and-tumble play vs actual aggression

30:19 - Items to add to a playground

35:22 - Going outdoors consistently beats occasional trips

38:16 - How and where to connect with the authors online

[Dr Naomi Murphy @NMPsychologist]

Our newest @LockedUpLiving episode is a timely reminder of the importance of outdoor play. @mbrussoni of @outsideplayubc shares eye-opening research on how unrestricted, adventurous play boosts resilience, creativity, and mental health in children with me and @wolvercoteman .

With egg hunts and outdoor traditions around Easter, it's the perfect moment to reflect on the value of giving kids space, freedom, and time to play. Let's use the holiday to embrace play—not just for children, but for ourselves too!

Tune in to discover why play isn’t a luxury—it's vital for thriving, learning, and connection. Happy Easter! 🐣🌱

[Dr. Mariana Brussoni @mbrussoni]

Delighted with this @TED_ED video on #riskyplay!
One of those instances when they took on board all feedback and suggestions and made a great, short practical video!
https://t.co/UPktmPxMXu via @TED_ED

[Dr. Megan Zeni @Roomtoplay]

Looking for an on-demand opportunity to hear @mbrussoni & I talk about the research supporting #riskyplay plus our top tips for creating conditions that support risky play in schools? We’ve recorded a session for this year’s @IPAUSA_PLAY virtual conference! 🎉

[Dr. Mariana Brussoni @mbrussoni]

Don't miss @SimonLewsen's article for @thewalrus on free range parenting
https://t.co/WJr51bpSMs

[Dr. Mariana Brussoni @mbrussoni]

@HELP_UBC's Dr. Martin Guhn discusses the Early Years Disrupted report with @CBC radio hosts from across the province this morning!
@CBCEarlyEdition, 6:50am
On the Island, Daybreak Kamloops, Daybreak South & Daybreak North
https://t.co/PbS1Vthdg0

[Dr. Mariana Brussoni @mbrussoni]

For over 2 decades @HELP_UBC has collected data on BC children's development. Our latest wave of data on kindergarten children showing the largest increases in vulnerability ever - likely related to COVID. Thanks @globeandmail for reporting on this:
https://t.co/ctP4meazZt

[Dr. Mariana Brussoni @mbrussoni]

For over 2 decades @HELP_UBC has collected data on BC children's development. Our latest wave of data on kindergarten children showing the largest increases in vulnerability ever - likely related to COVID. Thanks @globeandmail for reporting on this:
https://t.co/ctP4meb7P1

[Human Early Learning Partnership (HELP) @HELP_UBC]

Early Years Disrupted, a new report from UBC's HELP, provides the first comprehensive look at how B.C. children are doing since the pandemic. Learn more 👉 https://t.co/uLMTiHVOqW #childwellbeing #UBCResearch

[Human Early Learning Partnership (HELP) @HELP_UBC]

The 2025 Position Statement on Active Outdoor Play is live! Active outdoor play boosts physical activity, supports emotional well-being, reduces screen time, and improves sleep for children and adults. Explore the full statement 👉 https://t.co/Q9fPDRJYIe #AOP10 @mbrussoni

[Human Early Learning Partnership (HELP) @HELP_UBC]

Why Outdoor Play? 🤸‍♂️🌳 A new publication from HELP Director @mbrussoni and scholar @RachRamsden discusses how children can and should be able to play throughout their communities 👉 https://t.co/xcY6FpgyzA #outdoorplay

[Dr. Mariana Brussoni @mbrussoni]

So delighted to have Johanna join @HELP_UBC faculty! We've already learned so much from her and are looking forward to continued learning with and from her.

[Human Early Learning Partnership (HELP) @HELP_UBC]

We're excited to welcome Dr. Johanna Sam to HELP as a new faculty member! Her work spanning mental health, education, and digital technology brings important and timely perspectives to HELP. Learn more 👉 https://t.co/UsraQ0YDsc #UBCResearch

[Human Early Learning Partnership (HELP) @HELP_UBC]

🎧 Did you hear? HELP Director @mbrussoni was mentioned on What Now? with @Trevornoah with special guest @JonHaidt, discussing the importance of risky play for child development. Catch the segment around the 20 minute mark 👉 https://t.co/NHCQrQM3mR #WhatNowPodcast #RiskyPlay

[Dr. Mariana Brussoni @mbrussoni]

Great article by @EllenBSandseter in @JonHaidt's After Babel blog on why we all need to learn from Norway's approach to #riskyplay
https://t.co/dfhqcb1imj

[Human Early Learning Partnership (HELP) @HELP_UBC]

🌎 New @UNICEF Report Card: Canadian kids are unhappy, with social struggles among sources of their anguish. HELP director @mbrussoni weighs in on the findings ➡️ https://t.co/MxlgAhHp3z #YouthMentalHealth @UNICEFCanada

[Dr. Mariana Brussoni @mbrussoni]

So excited for Martin and this very cool project! This is collaboration, partnership and knowledge mobilization at its most inspiring!

[Human Early Learning Partnership (HELP) @HELP_UBC]

👏👏 Please join us in congratulating HELP Faculty Dr. Martin Guhn on receiving a SSHRC Partnership Development Grant! Learn more ➡️ https://t.co/N5VsyikARa #UBCResearch @ubcspph

[Dr. Mariana Brussoni @mbrussoni]

A happy day for @HELP_UBC! I am beyond delighted to welcome my new colleagues and learn from their incredible work and clinical perspectives!

[Human Early Learning Partnership (HELP) @HELP_UBC]

Exciting news! 🎉 HELP welcomes Dr. Angie Ip & Dr. Trevor Goodyear as new faculty members! Their expertise will enhance our vision of equity for all children. Read more 👉 https://t.co/YgxxXxZ9Ga #UBCResearch

[Human Early Learning Partnership (HELP) @HELP_UBC]

🚸 HELP Director @mbrussoni shares insights on community support for Vancouver's kids in @VancouverSun: “We should be asking how do we make kids want to walk to school, and make it safe to do so.” 👉 https://t.co/z7Dk6odedb #ChildDevelopment @UBCNews @ubcspph

[Dr. Mariana Brussoni @mbrussoni]

🌟 Connectedness to school really matters, especially for supporting the mental health of transgender and gender-diverse youth!
New research from Human Early Learning Partnership faculty Eva Oberle & her team using MDI population data (https://t.co/GynKMhc10W)

[Human Early Learning Partnership (HELP) @HELP_UBC]

What role does school connectedness play in the mental health of transgender & gender-diverse youth? 📚🏳️‍⚧️ A new HELP study highlights its importance for mental well-being with data from 23K+ students in BC 👉 https://t.co/GVRCiLSHI4 @ubcspph #youthmentalhealth

[Human Early Learning Partnership (HELP) @HELP_UBC]

🎉 Earlier this year, @mbrussoni, our incredible director, was nominated for a @YWCAMetroVancouver WODA Award! Today she is eligible for the Connecting the Community Award, determined by online voting! Cast your vote now: https://t.co/EOgrOjMnLh 💐👏 👏 #Leadership #YWCAWODA