Updated: Dec. 21, 2020
Originally Published: Dec. 5, 2017
Incarcerated individuals are guaranteed at least an hour of outdoor exercise each day, as stipulated by UN guidelines. The U.S. Supreme Court has consistently ruled that denying outdoor exercise constitutes cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment. Yet, alarmingly, a 2016 study reported by The Guardian revealed that 75% of children in the UK receive less outdoor time than what is allocated to prison inmates. Shockingly, 20% of these kids do not venture outside at all on a typical day.
A 2012 study highlighted by CBS News found that among 8,950 children, only 50% managed to go outside to play or walk with a parent once a day, with girls being less likely to do so compared to boys. Furthermore, a 2016 survey involving 12,000 parents across ten countries yielded even more concerning results; half of the surveyed children only engaged in outdoor activity for one hour daily, and 33% spent less than 30 minutes outdoors, according to Fatherly. This research was initiated by the soap brand Percil as part of its “Dirt is Good” initiative.
This alarming trend has led to the coining of a term: Nature Deficit Disorder, introduced by Richard Louv in his book Last Child in the Woods. Louv recounts a child expressing a preference for indoor activities because “that’s where all the electrical outlets are.”
The advantages of outdoor play—beyond structured sports—are well-documented. The Child Mind Institute asserts that outdoor activities boost children’s confidence. As noted by Early Childhood News, outdoor play allows children to explore the world on their terms, fostering autonomy, decision-making, and organizational skills. Furthermore, it ignites creativity and imagination, essential traits for success in today’s evolving economy. Timbernook founder Angela Hanscom emphasizes that outdoor environments encourage children to think independently and creatively.
Physically, outdoor play can lead to healthier children. The National Wildlife Federation highlights that it helps develop active bodies, an attainable goal for kids of all sizes. Being outside also increases Vitamin D levels, which helps protect against future health issues like bone problems, heart disease, and diabetes. Moreover, it can improve vision, as a study in Archives of Pediatric Medicine cited by TIME suggests that limited outdoor play for girls may contribute to higher rates of autoimmune disorders among women, due to less exposure to outdoor microorganisms.
Outdoor play also enhances motor skills; children learn to run, leap, and jump while engaging in activities like pushing swings, pulling wagons, and lifting objects. Hanscom goes even further, asserting that outdoor activities challenge children’s balance and coordination, as they climb trees, explore rocky terrains, and run freely.
Notably, musician and actor Ryan Cole has partnered with the National Trust to advocate for outdoor play, encouraging children to engage with simple items like sticks, which can transform into endless imaginative tools—be it a sword or a magic wand. He reflects that childhood should be about adventure, creativity, and the joy of fresh air.
So, how do we address the concerning lack of outdoor time for our children, who often receive less time outdoors than mandated for inmates? First, we must advocate for more recess at schools and ensure existing recess periods are extended. According to Scholastic, children who have recess experience reduced restlessness, improved focus and memory, and enhanced social skills, including negotiation and conflict resolution.
We must also prioritize outdoor experiences, whether taking a stroll around the neighborhood, stargazing, or visiting national parks. Children should have opportunities to explore freely—preferably in nature where they can get messy and engage with their environment. As parents, it’s crucial to take the initiative to encourage outdoor play, even if it means pushing them away from screens and into the backyard. They may complain initially, but they’ll soon be absorbed in nature.
Our children deserve more than brief moments at bus stops or organized sports. They need fresh air, time for exploration, and opportunities to develop. This is not only vital for their growth but also for nurturing a love for the planet they will inherit.
In conclusion, it’s imperative that we make a concerted effort to ensure our children spend more time outdoors, fostering their development and connection with nature. For additional insights, you can explore this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination from the CDC.
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