Reconnecting Urban Youth with Nature: A Call to Action
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In urban settings, concerns have grown that children are becoming increasingly disconnected from nature, largely due to distractions from technology, indoor living, and higher population densities. The COVID-19 lockdowns exacerbated these worries, leading to a rise in discussions around "nature-deficit disorder," a term that encapsulates fears about children's well-being and their relationship with the environment.
Interestingly, there has been limited research directly examining the extent of this disconnect and its implications on children's environmental behavior. Our recent study, focused on Australian children living in cities, aimed to fill this gap.
Our findings indicated that many younger children, particularly girls, reported a strong affinity for nature and a commitment to environmentally friendly practices. However, as these children transitioned into their teenage years, many lost their connection to the natural world. Addressing and reversing this decline is crucial for tackling significant environmental challenges, such as climate change and biodiversity loss.
What We Did
Our research included over 1,000 students aged 8 to 14 from 16 public schools in Sydney. We assessed their connection to nature through a questionnaire that explored their:
- Enjoyment of nature
- Empathy towards animals
- Sense of unity with the environment
- Responsibility for nature
The survey also examined their current environmental actions, such as recycling and conserving resources, and their willingness to:
- Volunteer for nature conservation
- Donate to environmental charities
- Discuss nature protection with peers and family
What We Found
In contrast to the prevalent belief surrounding nature-deficit disorder, our research revealed that one in two children aged 8 to 11 felt a strong connection to nature, even in urban environments. However, only 20% of teenagers reported a similar bond.
Younger children were also more actively engaged in pro-environmental behaviors; for instance, half of them were committed to saving water and energy daily, while two-thirds recycled regularly. Additionally, girls demonstrated a closer emotional connection to nature than boys, particularly noticeable in the final years of primary school.
Notably, girls showed a stronger preference for sensory experiences related to nature, such as seeing wildflowers, hearing natural sounds, and touching animals. This aligns with previous studies indicating that women often seek sensory pleasure more than men. Moreover, girls exhibited more empathy for animals than boys, even after considering sensory experiences.
Children who felt a deep connection to nature were significantly more likely to engage in environmentally friendly behaviors, which explains why girls were more inclined to volunteer for conservation efforts.
What Does This Mean?
These insights suggest that parents, educators, and other stakeholders aiming to reconnect youth with nature should pay particular attention to the transition from childhood to adolescence. This phase is marked by significant changes, including shifts in social circles and the challenges of puberty. As teenagers prioritize various aspects of their busy lives, their relationship with nature often diminishes. Evidence of this decline is appearing across different cultures.
To engage girls with nature, activities that emphasize sensory experiences may be beneficial. Societal norms might contribute to girls' heightened empathy for nonhuman animals, which can be fostered in boys through exercises that promote perspective-taking and role-playing.
Even during lockdowns, both girls and boys can nurture empathy for animals and strengthen their connection to nature by being mindful of their surroundings. Urban areas, despite their concrete landscapes, still harbor wildlife, parks, and other green spaces.
Children Are the Future
Recent studies indicate that a robust connection to nature correlates with better health and well-being in children. It's essential that the benefits of this connection are shared equitably among youth, particularly among marginalized groups in discussions about nature.
The future of conservation increasingly relies on young individuals forming meaningful relationships with urban nature. Many prominent environmental advocates, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, are teenage girls.
Maintaining connections to nature for urban children throughout their teenage years is crucial for addressing serious environmental issues. It also necessitates equipping young people with tools to confront the stark reality of the climate crisis.
This article was originally published on August 15, 2021, on theconversation.com. Reprinted with permission.
Authors:
Ryan Keith: PhD Candidate, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney Dieter Hochuli: Professor, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney John Martin: Research Scientist, Taronga Conservation Society Australia & Adjunct Lecturer, University of Sydney Lisa M. Given: Professor of Information Science, Centre for Design Innovation, Swinburne University of Technology
Disclosure Statement
Ryan Keith does not have any financial interests or affiliations that could benefit from this article. Dieter Hochuli receives funding from the Australian Research Council, the City of Sydney, and the Inner West Council. John M. Martin receives funding from the Australian Research Council. Lisa M. Given receives funding from the Australian Research Council.