Children who play outdoors protect environment, says study

New Delhi: A new study says that children who spend more time playing outdoors are likely to protect the environment.

Researchers from University of British Columbia Okanagan in Canada, interviewed about 50 students between the ages of 18 to 25. Of the group, 100 per cent of females stated that they loved or somewhat loved nature and 87 per cent of males responded the same.

The study found that 87 per cent of the respondents who played outside as children expressed a continued love of nature as young adults. Of that group, 84 per cent said taking care of the environment was a priority.

"Developing positive experiences in nature at a young age can influence our attitudes and behaviours towards nature as adults," said Catherine Broom of University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus.

Environmental awareness programmes like Girl Guides or Boy Scouts may help develop children's environmental awareness and action, according to researchers.

"Our findings imply that providing positive childhood experiences in nature, such as outdoor school programmes, may help to develop care for the environment in adults," Broom said.

"However, these may not be sufficient unless programmes are building knowledge and self-awareness of environmental stewardship," she added.

(With PTI inputs)