It seems very few British kids are nature lovers, with the majority preferring to spend their time slumped in front of a computer screen playing computer games rather than going for a walk out into the countryside. It’s no wonder childhood obesity is so common these days. It’s such a shame. They don’t know what they are missing. I spent my childhood growing up in the country and loved every minute.
According to the results of a recent BBC Wildlife Magazine poll of 9 to 11 year olds, half of children are unable to spot and identify oak trees, bluebells or bluetits, whilst two thirds of them have no idea what a frog looks like! Unbelievable! It sounds like something needs to be done urgently to spark children’s interest in nature and the environment they live in. Maybe school projects or more emphasis on teaching children about nature and wildlife in the classroom is needed. If these youngsters have no interest in the world they live in now, it’s unlikely they will be interested in nature or preserving wildlife and the environment when they grow up.
9 comments:
What are our children losing? I grew up outside lots of the time too. I think this is a tragedy. There will be so much time for computers and work later. I have a friend who works for an organization here in the States trying to get kids to play outside more. Isn't that a shame that we have to work to get the kids where they should be?
Everything is internet or compulsory sport here. Many have never been to a game reserve or farm (unsafe to go trotting in the bush these days) and as you say will have little interest in our environment.
Hi Naomi,
I'm afraid this isn't just a British deal, our kids here are just as a tied to computers and technology. That's why I've been so diligent about our lake place, and why I've banned cabled TV, video games etc. The only thing we have there is a TV with 3 local channels (for weather and news). THe pay off is I have kids who enjoy fishing and hiking and all teh stuff I grew up with.
Which makes me think, you have to have parents who are willing to get out WITH their kids and do this stuff.
When my boys were in 8th grade, their school held one week of "outdoor" school. It was similar to going to camp--in the middle of the school year. They went to the mountains (they live in California USA) and studied geology, animals, trees, etc. They enjoyed learning...because they were OUT of the classroom for a change!
I hope my children like the countryside,as we are about to move even deeper into rurality...
Actually, they seem to love looking at stuff in the fields and woods around us, the school really helps with its own wildlife area and lots of projects on minibeasts and such... So not sure about the veracity of this report, might have been a bit biased towards urban kids...
I can totally believe that, luckily for me my kids knows their frogs from their ferrets lol. But I think its really up to the parents to educate their kids about these things. Cool blog btw :)
You are right, Naomi!
It's ashame that kids don't like and know nature... But I think if their parents like nature kid might like nature later when they get older and wiser -- like me ;).
Best wishes and thank you for an interesting post,
Svet and Kyle
Yes it is a shame Sheila. Today's children are missing out on so much and don't appreciate the natural beauty of the countryside around them.
It's bad news for future generations Jackie if today's youngsters grow up not caring about the environment they live in.
I agree Sank. That's a very good point. Parents need to make the effort to get their kids interested in nature and the outdoor pursuits too. You've done really well with your kids. They'll be a lot healthier than kids who spend their time stuck in front of a computer.
That's a great idea Sharon. I think more schools should adopt that idea and get kids outdoors. That's the only way they will really learn to appreciate the natural world around them.
Not all children spend their time stuck in front of computers. There are still some kids who enjoy going out into the countryside. It sounds like your children are like that Alastair. I think outdoor school projects can be a big help too.
Thanks for stopping by Ria and your nice comments about my blog. I'm glad you enjoyed your visit here. I agree parents need to be involved in educating their kids about the countryside and teachers need to have some involvement too.
Yes it is a shame Kyle & Svet. Some children don't appreciate everything that is around them until they get older. It's a shame they are so blinkered sitting playing computer games. It's a big world out there. They need to get out and explore.
Post a Comment