Besides being pleasing to the eye, greenery also contributes to the mental, physical and emotional well-being of people. The following studies identify the benefits children and youths can gain from regular exposure to greenery. 

In a study conducted by the American Institutes for Research, a group of sixth graders attended outdoor school for six weeks, while another group did not. During the outdoor programme, students carried out hands-on activities such as searching for aquatic insects in a stream and identifying tree species, as well as drawing conclusions on the “health” of a forest. At the end of the programme, the students, teachers and parents were surveyed. 

The group that participated in the outdoor education rated better in self-esteem, conflict resolution, relationship with peers, problem-solving, motivation to learn and behaviour in class. These children also had improved Science scores, measured by a pre and post test.

Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have unusually high and chronic level of inattentiveness, impulsivity and hyperactivity. In a study published by the American Journal of Public Health, ADHD children were observed participating in similar activities conducted in a variety of different settings, such green outdoor environments, man-made outdoor environments, and indoor settings. After each session, parents rated their children on ADHD symptoms, such as difficulty in remaining focused on unappealing tasks, difficulty in listening and following directions, as well as difficulty in resisting distractions. The ADHD symptoms in children exposed to the green outdoor settings reduced significantly compared to the other settings. 

A study done in New York researched whether greenery helped children cope with stress. It measured how ‘green’ the children’s homes were and studied how well the kids coped with stressful life events such as bullying in school, relocating to another home and family disagreements. The study found that nearby nature buffers the effects of stressful life events on children’s psychological distress

A study done in New York researched whether greenery helped children cope with stress. It measured how ‘green’ the children’s homes were and studied how well the kids coped with stressful life events such as bullying in school, relocating to another home and family disagreements. The study found that nearby nature buffers the effects of stressful life events on children’s psychological dist

A study that was done in Holland investigated the strength of the relationship between the amount of green space in people’s living environments and their perceived general health. The study found that the percentage of green space in a one-kilo metre area had a significant positive impact on perceived general health in large cities, especially for the elderly, youth, and people educated up to the secondary school level. [vii]

There are certainly many benefits to be reaped from greenery and being close to nature. Bring your students outdoors to enjoy the wonders of our City in a Garden today! With over 300 parks and gardens, four nature reserves and more than 300 km of park connectors in Singapore, there is an abundance of green spaces for you and your students to explore and enjoy.