Exposure to nature promotes a state of relaxed alertness, improved attentional processing and optimal cognitive resource allocation for children and adolescents

This review of 26 studies examined the impact of nature exposure on brain structure  and activity and peripheral nervous system activity in children and youth (age 25 or younger). Results indicate that exposure to nature supports: (1) increased prefrontal cortex grey matter volume; (2) reduced stress, increased physiological relaxation and greater alertness; and (3) improved attentional processing and cognitive resource allocation. Nature may foster ideal learning conditions in which students are relaxed but alert.
Quintela Do Carmo, Ayotte-Beaudet & Jordan, 2025. A systematic review of the impacts of nature exposure on the nervous system in children and youth: Implications for nature-based learning. 
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Engaging with nature in educational settings can improve students’ well-being for optimal learning experiences

A review of 19 experimental and quasi-experimental studies examined the impact of school-led nature interventions, such as outdoor learning, nature walks and green schoolyards, on students’ (age 5-19) mental, physical and social well-being. Overall findings suggest that engaging with nature during the school day has the potential to enhance aspects of well-being — especially positive affect (feelings of contentment, joy, and enthusiasm), physical activity, and social relationships and interactions.
Ly & Vella‐Brodrick, 2024. Effects of school‐led greenspace interventions on mental, physical and social wellbeing in children and adolescents: A systematic review. 
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School-based nature exposure interventions can restore and improve cognitive function

This meta-analysis statistically synthesized 51 studies that examined nature’s cognitive benefits for children and youth (under 19 years). Results indicate that experiences in nature significantly improved cognitive function, including attention and executive function. However, only a weak, non-significant relationship was detected between greenspace exposure (mainly at the residential level) and cognition. Research should continue to examine other cognitive functions, such as memory and problem-solving.
Nguyen & Walters, 2024. Benefits of nature exposure on cognitive functioning in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
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Nature-based interventions designed to boost nature connectedness also support beneficial behaviors for learning

The findings from 22 studies, primarily with school-aged children, indicated that nature-based interventions to increase nature connection are also highly effective in improving behaviors for learning. Findings revealed consistent gains in social skills, self-concept (self-esteem, self-regulation, resilience), attention and engagement, motivation and independence, and capacities such as creativity and problem-solving. Activities designed to increase nature connectedness may support academic success.
Harris et al., 2025. How can nature connectedness and behaviours for learning be deliberately developed in children, adolescents and young adults? A systematic literature review. 
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A deep connection to nature is linked to greater psychological well-being, a stronger sense of meaning in life and higher levels of life satisfaction 

This meta-analysis of 70 studies reported that children and adults who spent more time in nature had significantly higher levels of nature connectedness, and individuals with a stronger connection to nature had significantly higher levels of well-being, sense of meaning in life and life satisfaction. Studies conducted in Asia documented stronger relationships between connection to nature, well-being and meaning in life, which may reflect the influence of cultural traditions that prioritize a deep connection with nature.
Zeng et al., 2025. The relationships between nature connectedness, nature contact, and positive psychological outcomes: A meta-analysis. 
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Adolescents’ and young adults’ connection to nature may boost mental well-being, promote pro-environmental behaviors and enhance social connectedness

A review of 63 studies found that adolescents and young adults (age 11–26) who felt connected with nature experienced enhanced well-being, including (1) improved mood, vitality and life satisfaction and (2) reduced stress and anxiety. Connecting with nature facilitated social connectedness, intercultural relationships, community cohesion, and a sense of belonging. Youth with a strong connection to nature also demonstrated a greater likelihood of engaging in pro-environmental behaviors.
Madera et al., 2025. Nature connectedness in adolescents and young adults: a systematic review.
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Current research supports a positive connection between nature exposure and emotion regulation

This review examined how exposure to nature affects emotional regulation processes. Analysis of 33 studies (involving children and adults) suggested that nature exposure may have some beneficial impacts on emotion regulation processes and strategies. The review also found a link between nature connectedness and emotion regulation. This suggests that improved emotion regulation may explain some of the benefits of feeling connected with nature, such as lower stress and increased happiness.
Vitale & Bonaiuto, 2024. The role of nature in emotion regulation processes: An evidence-based rapid review.
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Children’s nature connectedness and well-being are positively related

A review of 72 studies found that children who feel connected to nature experience a range of benefits: less stress, increased happiness and joy, experiences of mindfulness or spirituality, improved social and emotional well-being and higher self-esteem. A few studies reported potential negative effects, such as feelings of anxiety related to the degradation of the natural environment. Findings also suggest that environmental and cultural contexts influence children’s views of nature.
Arola et al., 2023. The impacts of nature connectedness on children’s well-being: Systematic literature review. 
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Scoping review identifies current evidence and research gaps on nature’s benefits for individuals with autism

This review mapped the literature to explore how nature supports individuals with autism. Examination of 36 studies (mainly with children or adolescents) found that nature can support improvements in well-being, behavior and function and that incorporating daily time in nature through activities such as nature walks or gardening can be beneficial. Park designers might consider incorporating design elements that support a multisensory experience, along with modifications to enhance accessibility.
Wells et al., 2025. The effect of the natural environment and greenness on behavior, function, and well-being among individuals with autism spectrum disorder: A scoping review.
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Review finds strong evidence of nature’s benefits for children with ADHD

Review of seven quantitative studies of children (under 18) with an ADHD diagnosis revealed that those who lived in greener environments tended to have less severe ADHD symptoms and a decreased risk of developing ADHD. The review also reported that children with ADHD demonstrated improved concentration in natural settings compared to built settings. Findings suggest that utilizing nature contact in conjunction with established treatments for ADHD may contribute to reduced symptoms.
Hood & Baumann, 2024. Could nature contribute to the management of ADHD in children? A systematic review.
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Meta-review highlights the need for high-quality research to strengthen evidence of nature’s impact on mental health and well-being

This meta-review synthesized 18 high-quality reviews and five primary studies that examined the impact of nature on the mental health of children and adolescents. Findings support the beneficial effects of nature; however, more rigorous research is needed to strengthen the evidence base. Research should prioritize youth with clinical mental health diagnoses, examine the influence of sociodemographic factors and clarify how the type, quality and amount of nature exposure affects mental health outcomes.
Lomax et al., 2024. Effect of nature on the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents: meta-review. 
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Literature review on the beneficial impacts of nature-based intervention studies highlights the need for enhanced reporting

Over 400 studies (conducted with children and adults) were examined to identify the terminology used to describe nature-based interventions (NBIs) and the methods employed by current research. Findings revealed wide variation in NBI naming conventions, research designs, settings and outcomes, highlighting the need for consistent reporting across studies. NBI reporting may be improved by (1) creating a reporting checklist, (2) standardizing terminology and (3) employing rigorous study designs.
Moyers-Kinsella, Kelley & Abildso, 2024. Nature-based interventions: A scoping review illuminating the field’s swift evolution, wide applicability for health and well-being, and the need for enhanced reporting.
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Review provides a critical examination of the research instruments used to assess nature connection in well-being studies

This critical review surveyed the literature to identify the research instruments commonly used to assess nature connection in well-being studies. Evaluation of five questionnaires suggested that, individually, the tools are limited in their ability to determine the specific qualities of nature that support beneficial outcomes. Researchers might employ mixed method designs or use a combination of instruments to more deeply examine the nuances of nature connection and its capacity to support well-being.
Stonebridge, Sumner & Scott, 2025. Considering biophilic tendencies when operationalising nature as medicine: A critical review. 
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Researchers should develop more nuanced classifications of environmental settings

This review of 34 studies and statistical modeling of 23 of them reported that working memory has a complex relationship with both natural and built settings. This relationship is influenced by specific environmental characteristics and the experiences they afford. Rather than relying on general categories such as “nature” versus “urban,” researchers might develop a systematic framework for classifying settings that accounts for environmental features, spatial configurations and experiential qualities.
Huynh, Fich & Djebbara, 2025. The impact of built and natural environments on working memory – A systematic literature review. 
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Youth from the Global South remain underrepresented in climate change and mental health literature 

This narrative review of 46 studies investigated the psychological harm that climate change causes to children and adolescents. Youth in low- and middle-income countries are disproportionately affected, yet they generally lack access to mental health services and are underrepresented in existing research. Community-oriented and culturally informed research that emphasizes the perspectives of climate-vulnerable populations and youth from the Global South, such as participatory action research, is greatly needed.
Giannakopoulos, 2025. The youngest minds in a warming world: A review of climate change and child and adolescent mental health.
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