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Children who spend just 60 minutes daily in natural settings experience a 50% lower risk of mental health issues, per a new study.

Employing advanced GPS and accelerometer technology, the research team measured actual time children spent in nature and correlated it with mental health assessments via questionnaires.

The study published in the journal Environment International found that the benefits of nature exposure were particularly pronounced for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

According to The Hippocratic Post, these children showed marked improvements in behavior and social skills, regardless of whether their activities in natural environments were light, such as walking, or more vigorous, like running.

Dr. Fiona Caryl, lead researcher from the University of Glasgow, said, "Our findings suggest that encouraging children to spend more time in nature could be a simple yet effective way to support their mental health. Crucially, disadvantaged children appear to benefit more from time in nature than their advantaged peers."

Professor Rich Mitchell, senior author of the study, noted the role of natural environments in reducing disparities in mental health, saying, "This provides compelling evidence of nature's role in reducing gaps in mental health between higher and lower income children. It suggests that natural environments might be 'equigenic', that is, they can reduce inequalities by disproportionately benefiting those from less affluent backgrounds."

Co-author Dr. Paul McCrorie added, "Natural environments may buffer less advantaged children against increased psychosocial and environmental stressors. They also increase opportunities for improving social connection through activities like team sports."

In light of the findings, the researchers advocate for collaborative efforts among policymakers, local planners, community organizations, and health professionals to ensure equitable access to safe and high-quality natural spaces in underserved areas.

They also stressed the importance of raising awareness about the health benefits of nature, especially amid concerns over rising childhood mental health issues and increasing urbanization.