British Colombia researchers conducted a study that reported that children who spend time in nature acquire a better early childhood development. From these results, researchers advise parents to ensure children spend time in green spaces. They should prioritize this above all other activities.
The researchers report that spending time in nature can assist children in arriving at their required learning and cognitive milestones, which was crucial to their development.
The leading study author, Ingrid Jarvis, stated that the exciting bit was that children residing in a location with a natural environment showed better outcomes than those with less space. The study highlights the importance of green supervised places, that is, parks, street trees, and gardens, to people in local communities.
Even though the team was among the few to investigate the link between the development outcomes in children and green spaces, Dr. Jarvis stated that they require more research to come to a more decisive conclusion.
How researchers conducted the study
The areas surrounded by natural green spaces are an added advantage in the child’s development. Between 2005 and 2011, the researchers examined 27,312 children’s development scores from those residing in the Metro Vancouver Area.
Using the Early Development Instrument (EDI), the researchers measured children’s development by providing Kindergarten teachers with survey questionnaires. The questionnaires assisted in accurately assessing a child’s ability to meet development expectations required by their age.
The study authors considered several factors such as the amount of the child’s green time, pollution, and the community noise levels, among others, to get their results.
The advantages of green spaces to the child development
The study authors observed that the benefits of green spaces reduce the consequences of hazards such as air pollution and excess noise, among others. These hazardous factors can affect a child’s development and health by triggering sleep issues, affecting the central nervous system, and causing additional stress.
Matilda Van Den Bosch, a research associate, insisted on the need to research the subject matter, indicating the urban planning department should prioritize the increase of green spaces around schools and residential areas to protect the potential health benefits of the child’s development.
