More and more studies show how important green spaces, like parks and gardens, are for kids as they grow up. Having nature nearby can really help children develop in many ways.
Thinking Skills: A study by Wells and Evans in 2003 found that kids who spent more time in green spaces did better on tests that measure thinking skills. They scored about 10% to 20% higher than kids who didn’t have as much access to nature.
Staying Active: Another study by Lachowycz and Jones in 2011 discovered that children living close to green spaces, within just 300 meters, were 25% more active than kids who didn’t have parks nearby.
Feeling Good: Research done by Mikkelsen and others in 2019 showed that kids who play regularly in green spaces felt less sad and anxious. They reported a 15% drop in feelings of depression and anxiety, which shows how nature can help mental health.
Making Friends: In a study that followed 1,000 children from age 5 to 15, those who had regular access to parks were better at making friends. They showed a 30% improvement in how they interacted with their peers compared to kids who had less access to green areas.
In short, these studies show clearly that spending time in green spaces helps kids think better, stay healthy, feel good, and make friends. This suggests that when cities plan for new areas, they should include more parks and nature spots to help kids grow up healthier.
More and more studies show how important green spaces, like parks and gardens, are for kids as they grow up. Having nature nearby can really help children develop in many ways.
Thinking Skills: A study by Wells and Evans in 2003 found that kids who spent more time in green spaces did better on tests that measure thinking skills. They scored about 10% to 20% higher than kids who didn’t have as much access to nature.
Staying Active: Another study by Lachowycz and Jones in 2011 discovered that children living close to green spaces, within just 300 meters, were 25% more active than kids who didn’t have parks nearby.
Feeling Good: Research done by Mikkelsen and others in 2019 showed that kids who play regularly in green spaces felt less sad and anxious. They reported a 15% drop in feelings of depression and anxiety, which shows how nature can help mental health.
Making Friends: In a study that followed 1,000 children from age 5 to 15, those who had regular access to parks were better at making friends. They showed a 30% improvement in how they interacted with their peers compared to kids who had less access to green areas.
In short, these studies show clearly that spending time in green spaces helps kids think better, stay healthy, feel good, and make friends. This suggests that when cities plan for new areas, they should include more parks and nature spots to help kids grow up healthier.