NWF: Florida Kids-Please Go Outside and Play
Monday, June 1, 2009
Florida schools soon will recess for the summer, leaving most children looking for something to occupy their time. The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) is urging parents to encourage their kids to "go wild" - by exploring wildlife in the great outdoors instead of spending their vacation inside, glued to the computer.
Research shows that over the past 20 years, the number of hours children spend outside has fallen by 50 percent, according to NWF spokesman Curtis Fisher.
"The time the average child spends plugged into electronic media has grown to more than six hours every day. This is a significant issue across our society. It effects everyone - in urban areas, suburban areas and rural areas."
Outdoors groups offer a variety of summer programs that teach children about the joys of activities like hiking, swimming, bird watching and fishing. Fisher says this is the ideal season for kids to enjoy nature and learn how they can help preserve valuable wildlife habitat.
NWF has been working nationally to raise awareness about the importance of children spending more time outside. It can be as simple as just exploring and observing nature, Fisher adds, whether it's in their own backyard or in one of the many parks throughout the state.
"Research indicates that kids who play outside are more physically active, more creative, less aggressive and develop a lifelong appreciation of nature."
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