Incarcerated individuals have guidelines ensuring they receive a minimum of one hour of outdoor exercise daily, provided the weather allows. This is mandated by the UN, and the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that denying outdoor exercise violates the Eighth Amendment, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment. Alarmingly, a 2016 study highlighted by The Guardian revealed that 75% of children in the UK spend less time outdoors than what is required for prisoners. In fact, 20% of these children do not step outside at all on a typical day.
Moreover, a 2012 study involving 8,950 children found that only half ventured outdoors “to walk or play with a parent” at least once a day, with girls being less likely to do so compared to boys. Another survey conducted in 2016 with 12,000 parents across ten countries uncovered further troubling insights: half of the children received merely an hour of outdoor activity daily, and a staggering 33% spent less than 30 minutes outside.
This concerning trend has been dubbed Nature Deficit Disorder, a term introduced by Richard Louv in his book Last Child in the Woods. He recounts a child expressing a preference for staying indoors, stating, “that’s where all the electrical outlets are.”
The advantages of outdoor play — not just in structured sports but also in natural settings — are well-documented. The Child Mind Institute notes that outdoor play fosters confidence in children. According to Early Childhood News, when children engage in outdoor play, they explore the world at their own pace, fostering autonomy, decision-making, and organizational skills. Additionally, outdoor environments promote creativity and imagination, which are essential in today’s evolving economy. Angela Hanscom, founder of TimberNook, emphasizes that outdoor settings encourage independent and open thought.
From a physical perspective, outdoor activities contribute to the development of “active, healthy bodies,” as highlighted by the National Wildlife Federation. Such activities also increase Vitamin D levels, safeguarding children against future health issues like bone problems, heart disease, and diabetes. Furthermore, outdoor play can also improve vision, particularly distance vision. A philosopher cited in Archives of Pediatric Medicine remarked that the lower outdoor play rates among girls might correlate with rising autoimmune disorders among women, as they miss exposure to outdoor microorganisms.
Outdoor play facilitates the development of crucial motor skills, including running, jumping, and climbing. Hanscom also points out that these activities challenge children’s balance and coordination, enhancing their strength and endurance through varied movements like hiking and climbing.
Recognizing the importance of outdoor play, musician and actor Daniel Foster has collaborated with environmental organizations to inspire children to engage with nature through simple activities like playing with sticks. He encourages children to use their creativity, envisioning sticks as various imaginative objects, thus emphasizing the joy of outdoor adventures.
So, how can we address the concerning lack of outdoor time for our children? Advocating for longer recess periods in schools is a critical step. Research from Scholastic indicates that children with recess exhibit reduced fidgeting, improved attention, enhanced memory, leadership skills, and conflict resolution abilities.
We must actively encourage children to embrace nature, whether by taking strolls around the neighborhood, stargazing, or visiting parks where they can explore freely. It’s essential to prioritize unstructured playtime outdoors, where they can get muddy and engage with their environment away from screens. While children may initially resist, they will soon find joy in nature’s offerings.
Children deserve more than fleeting moments at bus stops or brief organized sports sessions. They need ample opportunities to breathe fresh air and explore. This outdoor time is vital not only for their personal growth but also for fostering a lifelong appreciation for the planet they will eventually inherit.
In summary, the trend of children spending inadequate time outdoors is alarming and must be addressed. By promoting outdoor play and advocating for longer recess periods, we can help our children thrive both physically and mentally.
For more information about natural parenting and home insemination resources, visit this excellent resource.