Richard Louv popularized the concept of the “nature
deficiency syndrome” in his 2006 book, Last Child in the Woods. His concept is essentially that children are
no longer experiencing nature as they once had. This in turn has contributed to
the increase in childhood obesity and attention deficit disorder. The concept is interesting and thought
provoking.
I am no expert on this specific research field but knowing a
fair amount about how research is done, I suspect that this might be difficult
to prove. From anecdotal evidence (that
is a fancy way of saying “in my experience”), children do not seem to
experience nature as they once did. By “nature”
I don’t mean Yosemite or Rocky Mountain National Park. Families took vacations to these wonderful
parks and still do. The nature which
kids are not exploring as they once did is actually the nearby open field,
creek or hillside. I remember growing up
in an area where the hills had not yet been built upon. We used the trails, peaks, gulches as our
exploration ground, physically and imaginatively. We rode our bikes, fought dragons, rescued
maidens and killed monsters.
The reason for the loss of this connection to nature maybe
loss of environment, safety concerns for the children and alternative choices
regarding use of free time.
So, instead of being outside exploring and experience the
outdoors or parks, our children are spending a lot more time in front of
electronic screens and in organized play dates and not free exploration of
hillsides and open fields.
The effect of the nature deficit disorder per Lovu is an
increase in attention deficit disorder (ADD), mood disorders and obesity. ADD and mood disorders may be more prevalent
because we have more sensitive screening tools now and not necessarily for
other reasons. An increase in childhood
obesity is well documented. Causation is difficult to prove.
Will reconnecting with nature diminish the effects of the
purported nature deficiency syndrome? I
don’t know. I believe that reconnecting
our children to nature is important for many reasons. They may enjoy the experience tremendously
and it may get them out from the screens that take so much of their time. One day they will grow up and vote (hopefully)
and if they think back fondly on their experiences outdoors in out parks or
open fields, hill sides and creeks, they may wish to protect these spaces for
their own children. If getting kids
outside helps prevent nature deficiency syndrome and all that accompanies it, then
great. Regardless, kids should be
discovering trails and bugs while slaying dragons and rescuing fair damsels
from evil knights.
