WHY DO CHILDREN SPEND LESS TIME IN THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT?

Abstract

this paper we represent the results from research made on children from 3-7 years old age in kindergartens in urban and rural environment. Results are statistically processed from which the results obtained give us the conclusion about the connection of the children with the natural environment.
This natural connection has been replaced in various ways – greater interaction with the digital (‘plugged-in’) world, less unstructured outdoor play, and via growing urbanization. This decreased exposure to nature has consequences that we are just beginning to understand. Research across disciplines now suggests that this disconnect (both figurative and literal) has far-reaching consequences for the health and well-being of both individuals and the natural environment in which they act. Children are smarter, cooperative, happier and healthier when they have frequent and varied opportunities for free and unstructured play in the outdoors.
Key words: children, nature, natural world, natural connection, kindergartens.