Researchers explore link between green spaces and children’s mental health

Researchers from University College London have studied how the presence of greenspace in local neighbourhoods impacts the mental health and cognitive development of children. Data from the 6,946 children aged 3-11 in the Millennium Cohort Study was used, tracking the way in which emotional, behavioural, and cognitive changes are impacted by local greenspace as the children age. The findings suggest that young children benefit in terms of their behaviour and cognitive development, but these advantages seem to even out by age 11, showing no advantage in the amount of greenspace they have access to. The researchers found that while greenspace can have a positive impact on young children, there can be significant differences depending on age and how the green spaces are being used. While there is evidence of the positive effects of greenspace, the way it impacts mental heath and cognitive ability needs further research. This should look at the way in which green spaces can be planned to support children as they age, with potential benefits to both behaviour and the development of thinking skills. Read more here.