Children’s and teens’ mental health varies according to the amount of time they spend outdoors versus in front of screens, according to new research from the University of Adelaide.
The researchers reviewed 186 studies and found the more time young people spend in nature, the better their psychological health, while the more time spent staring at screens, the more likely they are to become depressed or suffer a range of other mental or emotional disturbances.
Time outside may be able to counteract the psychic drawbacks of overdoing screen time, the scientists said, and argued that nature may be an under-used public health resource to bolster young people’s healthy psychological development and well-being.
TRENDPOST: Electromagnetic fields generated by computers, smartphones, air conditioners, and other electronic devices are known to fill the air with positive ions, which studies have shown cause or heighten anxiety, stress, and depression. Negative ions, generated by water bodies, winds, and plants, clear positive ions out of the air, which is why nature can have a cheering and relaxing effect on many people.
Mental and emotional disturbances among young people are increasing worldwide. Ensuring that children and teens spend at least a little time outdoors every day could help them avoid a host of mental and emotional difficulties as they grow.
