Janet Moyles, professor of education at Anglia Polytechnic University, said, 'We should, as practitioners, observe these representations of violence, understand where children are coming from and why they are doing it and then, rather than sweep it under the carpet, discuss together - adults and children in a simple straightforward way - the basis of the play.'
She added that children are 'more likely to be supported if they can play in an informed and sensitive environment, rather than one which simply bans guns because of a sense that somehow it is "wrong" for children to play with guns'.
This approach is backed up by Penny Holland, senior lecturer in early childhood education at London Metropolitan University, who has undertaken extensive research challenging the effectiveness of the existing policy in most settings of zero tolerance towards war, weapons and superhero play.
She said that in settings where this had been relaxed, there was evidence that practitioners felt more confident in discussing with children issues such as the 11 September 2001 atrocities. She explained, 'Children respond to images they see on TV, so we need to be sensitive, looking for indications in children's play, and be open to discussions the children want to have. I don't think turning your back is an appropriate thing to do when dealing with these issues and young children.'
She stressed that principles of good early years practice 'state that we start with the child and whatever they bring to us. and we should not be asking children to leave things at the nursery gates'.
MsHolland emphasised that the way a setting approaches this issue depended on the communities it serves. Building practitioner confidence within teams is the key, she said, and it might be useful to get groups of parents to meet and talk about the issues, particularly where there may be Muslim families who are feeling vulnerable and anxious.
Janet Moyles, whose research into children's reactions to current events was prompted by the 11 September attacks, said that when children play war games 'they are episodes in which young children represent or emulate what they are confronted with on a daily basis within the media'.
She added, 'Certainly in nurseries and other early years settings, practitioners need to take a long hard look at their own reactions to guns and other violent toys and see whether their current policies or practices need revision.
'There is little evidence in research that playing with toy guns makes children aggressive - in fact there is evidence that the opposite is the case.'