“Nature-Deficit Disorder”
While the full effect of pandemic-related behaviors on children is yet to be understood, the term “Nature-Deficit Disorder" by Richard Louv aimed to describe the human costs of alienation from nature and sequester a call to action. Since Louv popularized the term, there have been numerous studies on the impacts of nature experience on human development. Nature-deficit disorder suggests a host of adverse effects, including but not limited to; diminished use of the senses, increased attention difficulties, higher rates of obesity, and physical and emotional disorders.
Nature-deficit also indicates that we’re not preparing children to become stewards of the environment without a connection to the natural world. These issues lend themselves to more significant problems, which experts call “an inactivity epidemic.”
New York Times author, Meg St-Esprit McKivigan, ran this headline in June 2021: “Nature Deficit Disorder is a Thing,” stating, “Children’s behavior may suffer from lack of access to outdoor space, a problem heightened by the pandemic.” Unfortunately, her statement holds true. A 2020 report from the Centers for Disease told the same story depicting a nationwide surge in mental health crises during the pandemic.
Screen time has also increased. Studies conducted over the pandemic have found a consistent picture of elevated screen time in children of all ages, contributing to increased risks to physical health. The Journal of Neural Transmission reported total media time increased by 46% during the lockdown and did not ultimately return to pre-Corona levels.
Lean into Outdoor Opportunities
Child health and education advocates are working to inform the public about the positive health effects of time spent in nature. Educators and parents can lean into outdoor experiences and facilitate authentic, simple opportunities to improve health and well-being. Choose places and activities that are accessible and where you can often go, keeping it sweet and simple!
Students exploring nature. © Moodboard / Adobe Stock
The natural world offers many opportunities to enjoy, learn, reflect and reset. Watching the exact landscape change from season to season is quite spectacular; imagine how a tree flourishes in the summer and quickly turns frosty in the winter. Give children time to watch, reflect, and understand the cycle of life in their way, promoting rapport and care for the planet!
The Benefits of Outdoor Experiences
Being outside has benefits that go far beyond the physical. Nature engagement can positively affect overall well-being and health. A study published by The National Institute of Health shows that being outside in nature helps to:
Reduce levels of stress hormone - cortisol
Improve concentration and recall
Improve sleep patterns
Improve mood and outlook
The importance of outdoor play has never been so clear, so take the extra moment to go outside with students and enjoy!
Nature observation © Jacob Land/Adobe Stock
by Simran Safer, Associate at Boyer Sudduth Environmental Consultants.
This article is also published in PAISBOA’s Friday Flyer, Vol XI, No. 8, May 13, 2022.
