Children Losing Contact With Nature

Monday, June 9, 2008

By Ed Joyce / Capital Public Radio and KPBS Public Broadcasting

Audio

Aired 4/19/09

A new report from the National Wildlife Federation raises concerns about the lack of time children spend outdoors. Less time with nature also appears to be shortening life expectancy too. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has details.

The report "Connecting Today's Kids with Nature" says many children are now actually gaining weight during the summer break.

Some of the reasons include more structured activities and time spent with electronic media.

Heather White of the National Wildlife Federation says many children are being raised so cut off from their natural world that they're not developing a connection with nature.

White suggests a "green hour" each day.
White : Kids spend 44 1/2 hours a week tuned into some type of electronic media. They are also spending half as much time outside as they did 20 years ago. Meanwhile childhood obesity has tripled.
White says children born between 1992 and 2000 will actually see their life expectancy reduced about five years.

She says time with nature creates a connection by contributing to emotional and physical well being.

Ed Joyce, KPBS News.

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