Natural environments, particularly green spaces, may support healthy brain development in children. A recent Spanish study found that children who live closer to green areas tend to perform better on attention-related tests.
Researchers suggest that growing up near natural surroundings may have measurable benefits for cognitive development. The study, published in Environment Health Perspectives, analyzed data from approximately 1,500 children participating in the INMA – Environment and Childhood Project in Sabadell and Valencia between 2003 and 2013.
Previous research has already indicated that exposure to nature benefits children in several ways. For instance, another Spanish study showed that green spaces in and around urban schools can improve the mental development of young children.
The new study focused on how access to nature near children’s homes influences their cognitive abilities, particularly attention. The findings showed that children living in areas with more surrounding vegetation performed better on attention tests throughout childhood.
To measure this, the researchers assessed the level of residential greenness within 100, 300, and 500 meters of the children’s homes at three stages: at birth, at ages 4–5, and at age 7. The children then completed two types of attention tests at ages 4–5 and again at age 7. Results indicated that greater exposure to nearby green spaces was associated with stronger performance on these tests.
According to Jordi Sunyer, study coordinator and head of the Child Health Programme at ISGlobal, urban green spaces may benefit children in several ways.
“Green spaces in cities promote social connections and physical activity and reduce exposure to air pollution and noise, and are therefore essential for the development of the future generations’ brains.”
The researchers conclude that maintaining and expanding green spaces in urban areas may play an important role in supporting children’s health and cognitive development.
Reference:
Dadvand et al. “Lifelong Residential Exposure to Green Space and Attention: A Population-Based Prospective Study.” Environment Health Perspectives, September 2017. DOI: 10.1289/EHP694.