It’s shocking to think that while UN guidelines for prisoners insist on at least one hour of outdoor exercise daily, many children are not even getting that much fresh air. A 2016 report from The Guardian revealed that a staggering 75% of children in the UK spend less time outdoors than what’s expected for inmates. Alarmingly, 20% of these kids don’t step outside at all on a typical day.
Even more concerning, a 2012 study highlighted that out of nearly 9,000 children surveyed, only half ventured outside once a day with a parent. Girls, in particular, were found to be less likely to engage in outdoor activities compared to boys. A further 2016 survey involving 12,000 parents across ten countries indicated that many kids are only getting about an hour of outdoor playtime each day, with one-third getting less than 30 minutes. This research was part of the “Dirt is Good” campaign by a well-known soap brand, Percil.
This troubling trend has even been labeled as Nature Deficit Disorder, a term coined by Richard Louv in his book Last Child in the Woods. In it, he recounts a child expressing a preference for staying indoors because “that’s where all the electrical outlets are.”
The Benefits of Outdoor Play
The advantages of outdoor play are well-documented. The Child Mind Institute emphasizes that outdoor activities help children build confidence, while Early Childhood News points out that playing outside allows children to explore the world at their own pace. This freedom fosters autonomy, enhances decision-making skills, and cultivates creativity—essential traits for thriving in today’s economy. Angela Hanscom, founder of Timbernook, notes that being outside encourages children to think independently and openly.
On a physical level, outdoor play is crucial for children’s health. The National Wildlife Federation states that it promotes active, healthy bodies, which can be achieved by kids of all sizes. Exposure to sunlight increases Vitamin D levels, reducing the risk of long-term health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and bone problems. Interestingly, a philosopher cited in Archives of Pediatric Medicine suggested that the lower likelihood of girls playing outside might contribute to higher autoimmune disorders among women due to less exposure to outdoor microorganisms.
Outdoor play is also vital for developing motor skills. Children engage in activities like running, jumping, and climbing, which challenge their balance and coordination. Hanscom further argues that outdoor experiences build strength and endurance through various physical challenges.
Encouraging Outdoor Engagement
Musician and actor Simon Carter has partnered with the National Trust to encourage children to embrace the outdoors and engage with simple items like sticks. He believes that a stick can transform into anything from a sword to a dragon’s bone, emphasizing the importance of imagination and adventure in childhood.
So, what can we do to rectify the alarming lack of outdoor time for our kids? First and foremost, we need to advocate for recess in schools, pushing for longer periods of outdoor play. Scholastic reports that kids with recess tend to be less fidgety, have improved attention spans, and develop better social skills.
Additionally, we should prioritize outdoor activities as families. Whether it’s a stroll around the neighborhood, a trip to a nearby park, or even a visit to a national park, it’s essential for kids to have unstructured time outdoors. Encourage them to explore, make mud pies, or climb trees without constantly monitoring their every move. As parents, we must take the initiative to get them outside, away from screens and gadgets. They might grumble initially, but soon enough, they’ll be engrossed in imaginative play.
Our children deserve more than just brief moments at the bus stop or structured soccer drills. They need the freedom to explore, breathe fresh air, and engage with nature. This is vital not only for their personal development but also for the planet they will one day inherit and cherish.
This article was originally published on December 5, 2017.
Conclusion
In conclusion, let’s make a conscious effort to enrich our children’s lives by prioritizing outdoor time. For more on similar topics, check out our other blog posts, including insights on artificial insemination kits available at Make A Mom. For further guidance on insemination methods, visit Healthline.
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