Child Development
Children growing up 'disconnected from the natural world'
One in three children in London are missing out on a vital part of their childhood development, because the time they spend in green spaces is limited to just six visits to a natural place a year.
A generation of children are growing up without regular access to natural spaces
A new report claims that just 4 per cent of London’s 1.1 million children under 12 are able to play in natural spaces, and argues that experience of the outdoor environment should be part of everyday life for the capital’s children.
Despite good work being done by childcare organisations, early years settings, schools, city farms and parks, among others, and the fact that two-thirds of the capital is made up of green spaces or water, children’s experience of natural play has declined.
The research, commissioned by the London Sustainable Development Commission, which advises the Mayor on green issues, says that children’s emotional and physical wellbeing is being damaged by their lack of experience of the natural world.
The Sowing the Seeds report says that contact with nature should be part of ‘a balanced diet’ of childhood experiences, promoting healthy development and well-being, as well as developing a positive attitude to the environment.
The report makes 12 recommendations to address the issue and ensure that more of the capital’s children can enjoy natural spaces.
Report author Tim Gill said, ‘This report shows that in recent decades there has been a decline in the number of under-12s accessing natural spaces on a regular basis to play. The decline is steeper for children in poorer families and some Black and Minority Ethnic Groups.
‘This is having a negative effect on an entire generation which is growing up severely disconnected from the natural world.’
Mr Gill said that a fear of risk was one of the main reasons for the decline in play in the outdoors, including climbing trees and building dens.
‘There has been a big focus in recent years on protecting children from harm, eliminating all risk from their lives,’ he said.
‘However, children need to learn how to look after themselves and take responsibility for their safety as they grow up. Removing risk entirely can actually undermine children’s wellbeing.
‘The pendulum has swung too far towards fear of risk. This report urges decision makers to redress the balance and enable those who work with children to take a thoughtful, common sense approach.’
