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Quebec, Canada—Spending just two hours a week in nature can significantly improve mental health outcomes for children with emotional and behavioral challenges, according to groundbreaking research from McGill University and Université de Montréal. The study, led by Sylvana Côté and published in JAMA Network Open, shows that nature-based interventions can reduce emotional distress, anxiety, and social issues among 10- to 12-year-olds.
The research involved over 500 schoolchildren across Quebec in spring 2023. Over three months, half of the participants attended classes in nearby green spaces, while the rest remained in traditional classroom settings. Teachers noted that children with the most severe mental health symptoms—such as anxiety, depression, or social difficulties—showed the greatest improvements.
Key Findings
- Targeted Benefits: Children with higher baseline mental health symptoms experienced the largest reductions in symptoms.
- Behavioral Changes: Teachers reported that these students were calmer, more attentive, and less aggressive after spending time outdoors.
- Accessibility: The low-cost intervention was well-received and posed no risks, making it a feasible solution for schools with nearby green spaces.
“This suggests that nature-based programs may act as an equalizer, offering targeted benefits for children with greater mental health vulnerabilities,” said Marie-Claude Geoffroy, senior author and a Canada Research Chair in Youth Mental Health.
A Timely Intervention
The idea for the study emerged during the pandemic, when concerns about prolonged indoor learning spurred creative solutions for children’s mental health. The intervention combined regular class subjects with short mental health activities, such as mindful walking or writing haikus, inspired by a toolkit developed by the research team.
“Spending time in nature has always been a big part of my family’s routine,” said Geoffroy. “I wanted to explore how we could bring these benefits to schools in a structured way.”
A Diverse Participant Pool
The study included children from 33 elementary schools across Quebec, representing various socioeconomic backgrounds. All participating schools were within one kilometer of a park or green space. This diversity underscores the broad applicability of the findings.
Future Directions
The researchers aim to expand the initiative to teenagers, focusing on climate anxiety and fostering deeper connections to nature. “Our results are particularly relevant for educators, policy-makers, and mental health professionals seeking accessible strategies to support vulnerable students,” said Tianna Loose, lead author and post-doctoral fellow at Université de Montréal.
The study’s promising outcomes suggest that incorporating nature into education could transform how schools address mental health, offering an effective, low-cost solution for fostering resilience and well-being in children.
For more information, refer to JAMA Network Open, DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.44824.
