Hey kiddos! Yep, you guys there! Playing computer games! The US Forest Service wants you to put down that smart phone and go outside.
Outdoor play and time spent in nature has been shown to reduce stress, improve the immune system and nurture the imagination.
And yet, despite the obvious health benefits and the fact that playing outside is well, FUN, the current generation of kids would rather do homework. Yep, you read that right. According to the results of a 2,000-person study described in the Daily Mail, not only do children prefer to play video games and watch TV over going for a hike or camping in the forest, but given the choice between running around outside and doing chores or homework, today’s kids, tweens and teens would chose the chores and homework. Yes, today’s kids would rather diagram sentences than play hide-and-go seek in the woods.
Sheesh. Kids. KIDS! What’s the matter with you all?
Well, the national forest service has apparently had enough. And in an effort to counteract kids disdain for Mother Nature, the U.S. Forest Service and the Ad Council have produced a series of ads and PSAs they’re calling “Discover the Forest”. Their hope is that this advertising campaign will motivate kids and parents alike to put down the ipad and pick up a lily pad instead. I don’t know if it will work but the ads are super cute! Here are a few examples:
Cute, no?
Wanna learn more? I’ve written about this subject before. Check it:
3 Scientific Reasons Why Your Next Vacation Should Be in the Wilderness
Ah, kids today! They don’t know the meaning of ‘play’! Seriously.
