It’s alarming to consider that United Nations guidelines for prisoners require them to have at least one hour of outdoor exercise each day, weather permitting. In stark contrast, a 2016 study reported by The Guardian revealed that 75% of children in the UK are getting less outdoor time than what is mandated for inmates. Disturbingly, 20% of these children do not venture outside at all on a typical day.
The situation is even more troubling, as a 2012 study involving 8,950 children found that only half of them went outside to walk or play with a parent at least once a day, with girls being less likely to do so than boys. Furthermore, a 2016 survey covering 12,000 parents across ten countries indicated that half of the kids only receive an hour of outdoor exercise each day, while a concerning 33% get less than 30 minutes, according to research published by Fatherly and commissioned by the company Percil as part of their “Dirt is Good” campaign.
This issue has been termed “Nature Deficit Disorder,” a phrase coined by Richard Louv in his book Last Child in the Woods. Louv recounts a child’s preference for staying indoors due to the presence of electrical outlets, a reflection of the current trend.
The advantages of outdoor play—not limited to organized sports but inclusive of unstructured time in nature—are well-documented. The Child Mind Institute emphasizes that outdoor play boosts children’s confidence. As noted by Early Childhood News, it allows children to explore the world in their unique way, fostering autonomy, decision-making, and organizational skills. Outdoor play also enhances creativity and imagination, essential qualities in today’s evolving economy. Timbernook founder Angela Hanscom asserts that outdoor environments encourage kids to think independently and creatively.
On a physical level, spending time outdoors is crucial for children. The National Wildlife Federation states that it helps cultivate “active, healthy bodies,” a goal achievable for children of all sizes. Exposure to sunlight raises Vitamin D levels, which is vital for preventing various health issues like bone problems, heart disease, and even diabetes. Additionally, outdoor play can combat nearsightedness and improve distance vision. A study cited in Archives of Pediatric Medicine suggests that girls, who are less likely to play outside, may be missing out on important microorganisms that could help reduce the risk of autoimmune disorders in adulthood.
Outdoor play is vital for developing motor skills, including running, leaping, and jumping. Children also engage in manipulative skills like pushing swings and carrying objects. Hanscom elaborates on the challenges outdoor play presents to a child’s vestibular system and coordination, as they climb trees, scale rock walls, and run freely.
The importance of outdoor play is so significant that musicians and actors, like Ben Thompson, are collaborating with organizations like the National Trust to advocate for outdoor activities, including playing with sticks. Thompson encourages children to see a stick as more than just an object, suggesting it can become anything from a sword to a magic wand. “This is what childhood should be about: exploring the outdoors, igniting your imagination, and enjoying fresh air,” he says.
So, how can we address the alarming lack of outdoor time for our children? We need to advocate for recess in schools and extend existing recess periods. Research from Scholastic shows that kids with recess are less fidgety, exhibit improved attention and memory, and develop important social skills such as negotiation and conflict resolution.
As parents, we must make a concerted effort to immerse our kids in nature, whether through walks around the neighborhood, stargazing, or frequent visits to parks where they can explore freely—preferably with access to a stream where they can play without restrictions on getting dirty. We have the power to take them outside, away from screens, and encourage them to engage with their environment. Sure, they might protest initially, but soon enough, they’ll be captivated by sticks and mud.
Our children deserve more than just brief moments standing at a bus stop or participating in structured athletic activities. They require fresh air, free exploration, and ample outdoor time—not only for their own well-being but also for the future of the planet they will inherit.
For more insights on parenting and family development, feel free to check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination. You might also find helpful information about the benefits of outdoor play on Modern Family Blog.
In summary, it’s crucial that we recognize the declining outdoor time among children and take proactive steps to reverse this trend. By encouraging outdoor play and exploration, we can foster healthier, more resilient children who appreciate the world around them.
Keyphrase: Kids outdoor time
Tags: outdoor play, Nature Deficit Disorder, child development, parenting tips, health benefits of nature, children’s activities