Children are spending less and less time playing in nature. This can weaken both their understanding of nature’s value and their willingness to take care of it.
Free play in the forest. Photo credit: Juliet Landrø/NINA
In Norway, children now spend less time than before in forests, fields, and green areas. A new study from the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA) shows that children’s use of nature has dropped significantly over the past ten years. When children lose their closeness to nature, they also lose an important arena for learning about the connections that all life depends on.
Nature strengthens health and resilience
Being in nature improves both mental and physical health. Nature reduces stress, strengthens the immune system, and increases concentration and well-being. At the same time, nature provides vital ecosystem services, such as clean water, fresh air, pollination, and climate regulation.
“When people have access to and take care of nature, society becomes more resilient, both through better public health and by safeguarding nature’s essential functions,” says Kristin Evensen Mathiesen, Research Director at NINA.
Fewer children play in the forest
Ten years ago, half of Norwegian schoolchildren played in forests or other nature areas at least once a week. Today, much of this play has moved indoors or to structured playgrounds. And, only three in ten parents say their children play freely in nature.
“Society has changed, and children’s encounters with nature are no longer as natural a part of everyday life as before. Our data show that play and time spent in nature areas are losing ground to screen time, schoolwork, and organized leisure activities,” says NINA researcher Vegard Gundersen, lead author of the newly published study.
Parents also point to a lack of playmates, bad weather, and their own busy schedules as reasons why children spend less time in nature.
Nature is available, but motivation is missing
“It’s not primarily about access to nature. Most children in Norway have nature areas nearby. The problem is that children lack the time or motivation to use them,” explains Berit Köhler, NINA Researcher and co-author of the study.
The study is based on two nationwide surveys of Norwegian parents, conducted in 2013 and 2023. Each parent answered questions about their oldest child between the ages of 6 and 12.
Consequences for health and the future
The research suggests that less time in nature can negatively affect children’s physical and mental health. It may also influence how future generations relate to nature and the environment.
“When children’s contact with nature declines, it can also weaken their understanding of nature’s value and their willingness to care for it,” Gundersen emphasizes.
The researchers argue that the solution is not only to provide more outdoor areas, but also to change attitudes and everyday routines. Schools, kindergartens, and organised leisure activities can play a key role by giving children more time and space for free play in nature.
Read the full article here
Contact: Vegard Gundersen