Research & Studies News
Media & Culture | Resource
New York Times – January 20, 2010
New Study Finds Kids Plugged-In 7.5 Hours a Day
By Tamar Lewin
The average young American now spends practically every waking minute—except for the time in school—using a smart phone, computer, television, or other electronic device, according to a new study from the Kaiser Family Foundation. The study also found a link between heavy media use and several negatives, including behavior problems and lower grades.
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International | Health
Reuters Life – January 07, 2010
“Nature Starvation” Worries British Royal Society
By Paul Casciato
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Europe's largest wildlife conservation charity, says it has uncovered a worrying trend of "nature starvation" among young Britons. The society surveyed 1,000 people, and found that only a third of those under 35 feel connected to the natural world, compared with more than half of those over 35.
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Education
City of Cambridge – November 24, 2009
Cambridge Task Force Releases Playground Report
The City of Cambridge Healthy Parks and Playgrounds Task Force has released its findings in the form of a 30-page report. The task force was created to explore the role of parks and playgrounds in the health, learning, and overall development of children, and the ways in which they support strong families and communities. It was charged with creating recommendations for new and innovative approaches to the design and operation of future public parks and playgrounds. [+]
Health
– February 19, 2009
Nature Essential to Health, Researcher Says
By ScienceDaily
Access to nature is critical for people of all ages, according to Frances Kuo, a professor of natural resources and environmental science and psychology at the University of Illinois. “In our studies, people with less access to nature show relatively poor attention or cognitive function, poor management of major life issues, poor impulse control,” Kuo says. The beneficial effects of nature even extend to children: those with ADHD have better concentration after a walk in a park compared to a walk in an urban setting.
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Health
the Land Trust Alliance – July 01, 2007
The Powerful Link Between Conserving Land and Preserving Health
By Howard Frumkin and Richard Louv for the Land Trust Alliance Special Anniversary Report, 2007
Co-written by Howard Frumkin, M.D., Dr.P.H., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Richard Louv for the Land Trust Alliance Special Anniversary Report, 2007.
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Health
Kiwilog – August 11, 2010
The Whole Child: Prescription for Play
By Dr. Lawrence Rosen
Research affirms the benefits of going out to play.
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Health | Media & Culture
– June 01, 2010
C&NN Releases Two Major Benchmark Studies
June is the nation’s Great Outdoors month, proclaimed by the President of the United States and all 50 state governors. The Children & Nature Network (C&NN) is among those organizations celebrating and supporting Great Outdoors month. C&NN has chosen the occasion to announce the release of two major studies it commissioned with funding support from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. [+]
Health
Huffington Post – June 14, 2010
Can Playing in the Dirt Make You Smarter?
By Linda Buzzell
New research reveals that bacteria in the soil not only lowers depression and anxiety but can also increase learning.
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Built Environment | Health
The Austin Chronicle – June 11, 2010
Congress for New Urbanism Links Urban Design and Public Health
By Katherine Gregor
C&NN's Howard Frumkin and other presenters at the 18th national conference of the Congress for the New Urbanism cited data showing an association between development patterns, transportation patterns, and public health.
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Regional Updates | International | Health
– May 17, 2010
Active Healthy Kids Canada Releases Report
Active Healthy Kids Canada has released its report card on physical activity for children and youth.
Health
BBC News – May 01, 2010
Green Exercise Quickly Boosts Mental Health
There is growing evidence that combining activities such as walking or cycling with nature boosts well-being, especially among young people. A team of UK researchers found fast improvements in mood and self-esteem if the activities took place in a park, garden, or on a nature trail. [+]
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As part of our ongoing efforts to build the movement, the Children & Nature Network has published two new resources for leaders, organizers, and participants at the local, national, and international levels:
