Experts to share importance of outside play at Nature Play SA conference in Adelaide
GETTING distracted and dirty outside is the key to tackling growing rates of anxiety among young people, international experts say.
OUTSIDE play activity is the key to tackling growing rates of anxiety among children, international experts say.
Teachers, parents, counsellors and child protection workers attending a conference in Adelaide on Thursday will be told how structured outdoor play helps kids manage stress, fear and aids in abuse and trauma recovery.
Scottish expert Terri Harrison will detail how her program Nature Nurture works in the UK and argues similar approaches “can and should be implemented in any school” in South Australia.
“There is a concerning increase in the number of children who experience stress and anxiety at a younger and younger age,” she told The Advertiser.
“Natural environments can be stimulating and challenging, yet also calming.
“Every school would benefit from at least two or three staff who have been trained in Nature Nurture approaches.
“Child protection staff could also benefit,” said Ms Harrison, who has 30 years of experience working with adults and children.
Nature Nurture first received funding from the Scottish Government in 2009 to help children aged up to 11 manage stress, anxiety or traumatic experiences through programs running for up to 15 weeks. Kids are given structured time outside to climb, roll down hills, interact with farm animals, run along logs, pick fruit and vegetables or collect wood for camp fires, while talking with trained workers.
In Adelaide, Kilkenny Primary School is leading the way with a school garden and scrubland play area.
Principal Peter Dunstan said children were encouraged to “get your hands dirty” and try “activities that children maybe don’t do as much these days”, such as climbing trees.
Deputy principal Karyn Alford, who will present at the Nature for Vulnerable and Disadvantaged Children conference, said the school had students from more than 40 cultural backgrounds.
“Some of the new arrivals have never experienced those kind of play opportunities before,” she said, adding outside play could be less competitive than sport and encouraged sharing among children.
The conference is hosted by Nature Play SA. Chief executive Sarah Sutter said it would highlight how critical playing in natural environments was for “children of all ages and backgrounds”.
“It can be particularly effective for helping build resilience and confidence in young people who are vulnerable or disadvantaged,” she said.
For more information natureplay.org.au