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Book Report // Last Child in the Woods // By Richard Louv “Nature deficit disorder”

Though the majority of American kids can describe to you the issues facing the natural life today, few of them have an intimate relationship with the outdoors. Louv sees this lack of interaction with nature as an epidemic affecting kids across the nation. There are many factors behind this big shift from outdoors to indoors. There is much more competition from computers, televisions, iPods, and cell phones. There is limited access to nature, especially for kids in urban areas. Parents also play a role in nature deficit disorder. They discourage outdoor activity because of dangerous traffic and lack of supervision, but the primary reason is a fear of strangers. Because parents fear that their kids will be abducted or attacked by stranger, they inadvertently send the message that the outdoors is unsafe. Louv provided data to prove that this fear of abduction is somewhat dramatic and irrational. However, parents, schools, and communities alike send messages to kids that inside is better – safer, cleaner, more fun – than outside.

Why is it a problem?

Exposure to the outdoors is good for kids in countless ways. Louv argues that interaction with nature improves both psychological and physiological health. Researchers at the University of Illinois discovered that time spent outdoors improves Attention Deficit Disorder, and the kids in the study showed better grades and better social interaction. Professional studies across the nation have proved that regular exposure to the great outdoors reduces kids’ chance of becoming obese or depressed. Problem-solving, communication, and academics all improve as a result of spending time in nature.

How to fix it?

The obvious answer: go outside! But, generally, it’s not that simple. Many people understand the problems plaguing nature, but few people actually make an effort to develop a relationship with the outdoors. If people lose touch with nature, nature will slowly disappear and will be seen as expendable.

On a hopeful note, there are some programs in place to fix this growing problem. The California-based State Education and Environmental Roundtable is just one organization looking to mend the bond between youth and nature. They have incorporated the outdoors into their schools and have seen significant improvements. As long as people maintain a relationship with nature, they will reap the benefits in their health.

** The one-sentence summary of //Last Child in the Woods//: People don’t go outside anymore, and it’s bad for kids and for nature, so we as a society should try to rekindle that relationship. **