14 Children’s Health & Mental Health
Suggested Reading
Becker, S. P. (2009). Wilderness therapy: Ethical considerations for mental health professionals. Child & Youth Care Forum, 39(1), 47-61. doi:10.1007/s10566-009-9085-7
Wilderness therapy is a growing treatment approach for adolescents presenting with a variety of clinical concerns. The author reflects on the unique ethical issues faced by wilderness therapists and supports the growing field of outdoor behavioural healthcare. This article provides evidence to support young children’s early engagement in nature-based play.
eMentalHealth.ca. (2018). Nature and why it’s essential for kids’ brains: Information for parents and caregivers. Retrieved from http://www.ementalhealth.ca/index.php?m=article&ID=52861
Many of today’s children and youth seem to struggle with physical and mental health problems. This article advocates for unstructured outdoor play as a single intervention to help children’s physical, mental and spiritual health. Options to help get kids outside are listed to encourage unstructured outdoor play.
Janssen, I., & Leblanc, A. (2015). Systematic review of the health benefits of physical activity and fitness in school-aged children and youth. School Nutrition and Activity, 183-219. doi:10.1201/b18227-14
Through a literature review of over 11, 000 papers that examine the relation between physical activity, fitness, and health in school-aged children and youth, authors identified seven health indicators including: high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, the metabolic syndrome, obesity, low bone density, depression, and injuries. Results indicate that the more physical activity, the greater the health benefit. Authors conclude that children need to get more then 60 minuets of outdoor play and that more vigorous intensity activities should be added to strengthen muscle and build bone density at least 3 days per week.
Maller, C., Townsend, M., Pryor, A., Brown, P., & St Leger, L. (2005). Healthy nature healthy people: ‘contact with nature’ as an upstream health promotion intervention for populations. Health Promotion International, 21(1), 45-54. doi:10.1093/heapro/dai032
Personal health and well-being benefits from contact with nature. Parks and nature reserves play a significant role for individuals. Socio-ecological approaches to public health incorporates environmental sustainability.
O’Brien, L., & Murray, R. (2007). Forest school and its impacts on young children: Case studies in Britain. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 6(4), 249-265. doi:10.1016/j.ufug.2007.03.006
Three case studies highlight the impact of forest school participation on the development of children. Six themes emerged from the data of the positive impacts on children in terms of confidence, social skills, language and communication, motivation and concentration, physical skills and knowledge and understanding. Two further themes highlight the wider impacts of Forest School on teachers, parents, and the extended family. Contact with the natural environment can be limited for children and young people in contemporary society due to concerns about safety outdoors and issues of risk and liability. Forest School provides an important opportunity for children to gain access to and become familiar with woodlands on a regular basis, while learning academic and practical skills.
ParticipACTION. (2018). Report card. Retrieved from https://www.participaction.com/en-ca/resources/report-card
Is the most comprehensive report card on the physical activity of Canadian children and youth. Results indicate that, “Canadian kids need to move more to boost their brain health”. The report synthesizes multiple sources of data, including peer-reviewed research to determine evidence-informed grades across 14 health indicators. Physical activity and outdoor play helps children with physical development and positive mental health. Results indicate that 51% 5-17 years old and 76% 3-4 years olds are more interested in television and video games and are not the Canadian 24-hour movement guidelines. A Highlight Report, Full Report, and Expert Statement are available for download.