Going to the park at least once a week can improve children's mental health
Children who visit parks and playgrounds at least once a week may have better mental health and social development as they grow up. That's according to a new study by the University of Exeter, published in Epidemiology and Community Health. The paper is titled "Park Visits and Social-Emotional Development throughout Childhood: A Longitudinal Analysis of ALSPAC."
A new study from the University of Exeter suggests that taking children to the park at least once a week may lead to better mental health and social development as they grow up. Researchers analyzed data from the Children of the 90s study, which follows children over many years. Children who visited parks and playgrounds at least once a week from birth to age 11 scored, on average, 16.5% better on mental health assessments compared to those who visited less frequently.
The study controlled for factors like socioeconomic status and family adversity. Lead researcher Mark Ferguson notes that parks provide opportunities for physical activity and imaginative play, which are beneficial for children's development. The findings highlight the potential of parks as a resource for children's healthy development, particularly in reducing inequalities, provided that parks are accessible and welcoming to all families.
However, more research is needed to determine if these results apply to children in different communities.
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