Getting up and getting out

Today, more and more children have very little or no contact with the natural world. And this has a significant impact on their health and development. Our children are submerged in virtual worlds that extend beyond their imaginations, limited only by bandwidth and megapixels. In the age of staggering technological advancements, does it really matter if our children spend their lives between school and screen? Recent studies say that is does… with a majority of children spending their time indoors and doctors treating more injuries related to getting out of bed than falling out a tree. Children are interested in the natural world, as they’ve see on TV or through a visit to a National Park. Getting to know the natural world develops a love for nature and helps children care more about its survival. Its not so much what children know about nature that matters, but rather what happens when they are in nature, learning, engaging and playing – experiencing it directly on their own or with their friends, that’s what counts. Our children's time is much more pressured than it once was. Spare time must be spent constructively with extra mural, sports and culture activities – no time for ‘ilding’ in the park. The biggest obstacle for today‘s children being allowed to play like this, stems from parental anxiety around safety. It's a problem we need to address, because the consequences of failing to allow our children to play independently outside are beginning to make themselves known. Obesity is perhaps the most visible symptom of the lack of such play, but literally dozens of studies from around the world show regular time outdoors produces significant improvements in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, learning ability, creativity and mental, psychological and emotional wellbeing. With just a few minutes of "green exercise" each day, children have experienced rapid improvements in mental wellbeing and self-esteem, with the greatest benefits experienced by teenagers. Free and unstructured play in the outdoors boosts problem-solving skills, focus and self-discipline. Socially, it improves cooperation, flexibility, and self-awareness. Emotional benefits include reduced aggression and increased happiness.