The study, published in Child Psychiatry and Human Development, found that youngsters who spent more time outside and being adventurous had fewer anxiety and depression symptoms.

The researchers observed that such children were more positive during the first lockdown. Participating in outdoor adventurous games may be beneficial to childrens mental health. These games are liberating, instinctive, gratifying, simple and does not necessitate any specific abilities.

For the study, nearly 2,500 parents of children aged 5 to 11 were enrolled. Parents were asked to fill out a survey about their childs play, mental health (pre-Covid), and mood during the first Covid-19 lockdown. The study included two groups of parents: a Northern Ireland-based group of 427 parents and a nationally representative sample of 1,919 parents from throughout the UK.

Researchers further said the study also aimed to test the fact that adventurous play provides learning opportunities that help youngsters establish resilience, hence preventing mental health disorders and being healthy overall.

(ETWorldHealth, May 21, 2022)