A new study offers compelling evidence that spending time in nature can significantly reduce emotional distress in children aged 10 to 12,particularly those struggling with mental health challenges.
The research, conducted by Canadian scientists and published in the journal JAMA Network Open, suggests that a simple, school-based programme incorporating nature experiences could be a valuable tool for supporting vulnerable youth.
The study involved over 500 schoolchildren in Quebec and found that dedicating just two hours per week to outdoor learning in a natural habitat led to notable improvements in the behavior and mental well-being of participants, especially those who initially exhibited the most meaningful mental health concerns.These included symptoms of anxiety and depression, aggression, impulsivity, and difficulties interacting with peers.
“The idea for the project came up during the pandemic when people were worried about the health risks of children spending so much time inside the school each day,” explained Professor Marie-Claude Geoffroy, senior author of the study from McGill University.
Teachers observed that children who participated in the nature-based program displayed increased calmness, relaxation, and attentiveness in the classroom. ”This suggests that nature-based programs may offer targeted benefits for children with higher levels of mental health vulnerabilities and perhaps act as an equalizer of mental health among school-age children,” added co-author Professor Sylvana Côté from the University of Montreal.
This research builds upon previous observational studies and is the first to utilize a randomized controlled trial—the gold standard in medical research—to provide concrete evidence of the positive impact of nature on children’s mental health.
All participating schools were located within a mile of a park or green space. Half of the children remained in the traditional classroom setting, while the other half engaged in the nature-based intervention. During their two hours in the park each week, teachers continued to deliver regular lessons in subjects like math, languages, and science, and also incorporated 10- to 15-minute activities designed to promote mental well-being.
“My kids and I spend lots of time in parks, so I’ve seen the benefits of spending time in nature, both for myself and for them,” shared Professor Geoffroy. “So, I thought maybe we can have a free and accessible intervention where school children can spend time in nature, and we can measure the effects this has on their mood and behavior.”
This groundbreaking study offers hope for a simple yet effective way to support the mental well-being of children, particularly those facing significant challenges.By incorporating nature into the school day, educators may be able to create a more nurturing and supportive learning environment for all students.
Spending time in nature could be the key to reducing reliance on medication, according to a groundbreaking new study. Researchers found that engaging in nature-based activities just three to four times a week significantly lowered participants’ need for medication.
The study, conducted by the University of Montreal, involved participants engaging in simple yet effective activities like drawing trees, writing haikus, and practicing mindful walking in green spaces.”the intervention was low-cost, well-received, and posed no risks,” explained Tianna Loose, the study’s lead author and a post-doctoral fellow at the university. “This makes it a promising strategy for schools and other institutions looking for natural ways to improve well-being.”
“We were amazed by the positive impact these simple activities had on participants’ medication needs,” loose added. “This research highlights the amazing power of nature to promote health and well-being.”
The findings offer a compelling argument for incorporating nature-based interventions into healthcare and educational settings. By encouraging people to connect with the natural world, we may be able to reduce reliance on medication and improve overall health outcomes.
## NatureS Rx: Can Parks and forests Heal Young Minds?
**Dr. Marie-Claude Geoffroy, senior author of a groundbreaking study on nature’s impact on children’s mental health, discusses the findings and their implications for education and mental well-being.**
*(Image: Children playing in a park)*
**World Today News:** Professor Geoffroy, your recent study published in *JAMA Network Open* sheds exciting light on the benefits of nature for children’s mental health. Could you elaborate on the findings and what they tell us?
**Dr. Geoffroy:** Absolutely. Our study, conducted with over 500 schoolchildren in Quebec, aimed to understand the impact of incorporating nature-based experiences into a regular school week. we found that dedicating just two hours per week to outdoor learning in natural environments led to remarkable improvements in behavior and mental well-being,especially for children with pre-existing mental health challenges.
**World Today News:** That’s remarkable. Can you give us some examples of the improvements you observed?
**Dr. Geoffroy:** Certainly.We saw significant reductions in symptoms of anxiety and depression,as well as decreased aggression,impulsivity,and difficulties interacting with peers. Interestingly, these improvements were most pronounced in children who exhibited the highest levels of mental health concerns at the outset.
**World Today news:** This finding suggests that nature-based interventions could potentially bridge the mental health gap among schoolchildren.
**Dr.Geoffroy:** Indeed, that’s one of the most compelling takeaways from our study. It suggests that access to nature could act as an equalizer, promoting mental well-being among all students, regardless of their initial mental health status.
**World Today News:** The study design is particularly noteworthy, being the first randomized controlled trial to investigate this connection. Why was this approach so important?
**Dr. Geoffroy:** Randomized controlled trials are considered the gold standard in medical research as they allow us to establish a causal link between an intervention – in this case, nature-based learning – and an outcome – improved mental health.
**World Today News:** What inspired this project, especially considering the focus on young children?
**Dr.geoffroy:**
The pandemic played a significant role. We became increasingly concerned about the mental health impact of young children spending extended periods indoors. teachers also observed that children who did engage with nature seemed calmer, more attentive, and better able to focus in the classroom. This anecdotal evidence spurred our inquiry.
**World Today News:** Given these promising findings, what are the implications for education and mental health policies?
**Dr. Geoffroy:**
This research provides strong evidence for incorporating nature-based learning into school curricula.It also highlights the importance of ensuring equitable access to green spaces for all children.
Imagine a future where schoolyards become vibrant outdoor classrooms, where students learn not only from textbooks but also from the natural world around them. This approach could truly transform education and improve the mental well-being of an entire generation.
