How many hours a day does a child living in urban areas spend outdoors? It is a fact that children and young people, for different reasons, spend less and less time in natural environments, and this has had significant consequences on the cognitive, social and psychological development of a generation.
Recently, Brazilian students were evaluated below the global average in relation to creative thinking (06/18/2024, O Globo). The results, released by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), placed Brazil in 44th position among the 64 countries that participated in the evaluation. For the first time, one of the most important international education evaluations sought to measure the creativity of 15-year-old students in solving social and scientific problems. And the result was worrying: Brazil failed in creative thinking, a fundamental skill for finding new solutions to old problems, innovating and doing things differently.
What is the relationship between this data and contact with natural environments? Spending time in nature during childhood, especially through free play, helps foster creativity, initiative, self-confidence, and the ability to choose, make decisions, and solve problems.
Excessive screen time is a growing problem in Brazil. According to a recent survey, Brazilians spend an average of nine hours a day on their cell phones or computers, and the country is among those that have seen the greatest increase in the number of children under six years of age with unrestricted access to the internet. The issue is not only to limit screen time, but also to offer creative alternatives so that children can explore the real world, learn from nature, create meaningful bonds, use their imagination, and enjoy this crucial stage of life in a qualitative way.
What do they learn from being in natural environments? The first thing children learn from being in nature is to learn to take care of themselves and their surroundings.
Spending time outdoors allows children to engage in physical activities, such as running, jumping, and climbing, which are essential for motor development and physical health. Exposure to sunlight is important for the synthesis of vitamin D, which strengthens bones and the immune system. In addition, playing in nature encourages the development of skills such as balance and coordination. In comparison, excessive screen time can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, increasing the risk of obesity and other health problems related to lack of physical activity.
Nature also provides a relaxing environment that can help reduce stress and anxiety in young children. Being outdoors in green spaces has been associated with lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, promoting a state of calm and well-being.
Interaction with nature can also improve mood and self-esteem, providing a sense of freedom and autonomy. In contrast, excessive screen time can cause sensory and emotional overload, resulting in irritability and difficulty sleeping, negatively affecting children’s mental health.
The natural environment is rich in stimuli that promote curiosity and exploration. This type of interaction can stimulate cognitive development by encouraging children to observe, question and experiment. Nature offers unique opportunities for hands-on learning, where children can see and understand scientific concepts in tangible ways, such as the life cycle of plants or animal behavior. Conversely, prolonged screen time can limit attention spans and impair the development of essential cognitive skills, such as problem-solving and critical thinking.
Outdoor activities often involve cooperative play, where children learn to work together, share, and resolve conflicts. These moments are crucial for the development of social and emotional skills, such as empathy and communication. Nature provides an ideal setting for these interactions, where children can connect with one another in an unstructured and creative environment. Screen time, on the other hand, can lead to social isolation, reducing opportunities for face-to-face interaction and the development of social skills.
Exposing children to nature from an early age is also key to fostering environmental awareness. By developing an emotional connection to the environment, children are more likely to value and care for the planet as they grow up. This connection can inspire sustainable behaviors and a sense of ecological responsibility.
Reducing screen time and encouraging frequent contact with nature is crucial to promoting balanced and healthy child development. Limiting the use of electronic devices can be challenging, but it is essential and urgent for the well-being of children. Set specific times for screen use and promote outdoor activities such as hiking, playing games, and gardening are important steps. Providing children with direct and meaningful experiences with nature can not only replace screen time, but also enrich their lives in ways that screens never could.
Karla Righetto
PhD in Education
Educational Director of Infanzia