Children with Access to Nature are Mentally and Physically Healthier

Andrei Ionescu · Earth.com · September 30, 2021

Featuring Amber Fyfe-Johnson and Dr. Pooja Tandon, Nature and Health researchers

According to a massive review of data from almost 300 studies, researchers at Washington State University and the University of Washington have confirmed that exposure to nature leads to a variety of health benefits in children. The scientists found that the presence of parks and other green spaces near homes and schools is associated with improved physical activity and mental health in children of all ages.

“By looking at the full scope of existing quantitative evidence, we were able to see the importance of ready access to nature for both physical and mental health outcomes in childhood,” said lead study author Amber Fyfe-Johnson, an assistant professor at the Institute for Research and Education to Advance Community Health (IREACH) at Washington State University.