Orterra: The importance of outdoor spaces and play for children and teenagers’ mental health
- Education Australia
- Apr 1
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 1
In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, outdoor spaces and play have never been more critical to the mental health and well-being of children and teenagers. As young people face increasing pressures from academics, social media, and the digital world, engaging with nature and physical activity in outdoor environments can serve as a powerful antidote to stress, anxiety, and mental health challenges.
Boosting Mental Health Through Connection with Nature
Outdoor spaces provide a sanctuary for children and teenagers to connect with nature, which reduces stress, enhances mood, and improves focus. Studies show exposure to natural environments lowers levels of cortisol, promoting calm and relaxation. Green spaces encourage restorative experiences that help young people recover from mental fatigue and build resilience against modern life pressures.
For children, outdoor play fosters creativity and problem-solving skills. Unstructured activities like building forts or exploring surroundings engage imagination and develop autonomy. For teenagers, time in natural settings counteracts the isolation often accompanying adolescence, offering opportunities for self-reflection and breaks from daily demands.
Physical Activity and Its Mental Health Benefits
Outdoor play is synonymous with physical activity, which improves mental health. Exercise releases endorphins, elevating mood and reducing depression and anxiety. Physical activities promote fitness, build self-confidence, and foster accomplishment. Creating engaging outdoor spaces allows children and teenagers the freedom to choose activities and encourages non-sport-oriented participation in physical activity.
Outdoor play also encourages social interaction and teamwork. Participating in play strengthens friendships, teaches social skills, and fosters belonging—all crucial for mental well-being. Excessive screen time and sedentary lifestyles, by contrast, are associated with increased mental health issues, including depression and loneliness.
Building Resilience and Emotional Regulation
Spending time outdoors helps children and teenagers develop resilience and emotional regulation. Nature presents challenges like uneven terrain, unpredictable weather, or solving problems during play. These teach perseverance, adaptability, and coping with setbacks.
Outdoor spaces provide non-judgmental environments where young people can express themselves freely. Whether experiencing joy, frustration, or curiosity, nature offers an outlet for processing emotions healthily.
The Role of Design in Supporting Mental Health
Design plays a pivotal role in encouraging young people to engage with outdoor spaces. For some, school grounds are the only safe, accessible outdoor environments, increasing their importance for mental health. Creating spaces that resonate with children and teenagers' interests and needs is vital.
In conclusion, outdoor spaces and play are essential for the mental health of children and teenagers. By fostering connection with nature, promoting physical activity, and building resilience, these spaces provide invaluable support for emotional and psychological well-being. In a world increasingly demanding more from its youth, ensuring access to engaging outdoor environments is not just beneficial—it is necessary.
Contact us today to discuss how your outdoor environment can support and enhance students' well-being.
Let’s create spaces where children grow, learn, and play—together.
0422 243 815
Comments