Preschoolers aren't getting enough time outside to play, according to a research study recently shared by CBS News. "The new research, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, showed that only three in 10 children in full-day child care programs got at least 60 minutes of outdoor recess."
Experts have always said that playing outside is important to ensure that a child grows physically, mentally and emotionally healthy. According to Care.com, among the five key benefits that kids can get from outdoor play are adequate amount of Vitamin D, improved vision, reduced stress, increased attention span and social skills development.
The study done also added that children need to play outdoors to improve their mood, attention and cognitive performance. Moreover this is needed to prevent obesity.
But many preschoolers are not getting enough time outside and schools are not implementing the National Association for Sport and Physical Education's (NASPE) recommended 120 minutes of physical activity for children. The study even showed that while 40% of children showed to take part in two or more outdoor activities, a shocking 32% had zero outdoor time. This is especially worse for children who also didn't have any opportunity for outdoor time at home.
Some parents may argue that time outdoors can be time away from learning but experts explain playing outdoors can bring about valuable learning too. Kids will learn how to use their motor skills and this is as important as learning their ABC's and learning how to do math.
If kids do not get enough time playing outdoors, this can bring about adverse effects to their growth and development.
Dr. Kristen Copeland researcher in the Division of General and Community Pediatrics believes that preschools should make a change in order for them to provide a holistic development of each child. According to Copeland, "I think if the child care centers adhere to the schedules they have posted, children could meet physical activity recommendations."
