by Kate Emery
The benefits of kids playing outside is so big that some GPs have started “prescribing” it as therapy, according to a Perth child psychologist.
Educational psychologist Jacqueline Reid said there was overwhelming research to show the benefits of outdoor play for children, which could help them manage anxiety and depression and build resilience.
Speaking as WA schools were this week being urged to get outside for Outdoor Classroom Day, Ms Reid said she had heard from a colleague in Adelaide of outdoor play being prescribed as therapy “and she’s starting to see that happening more and more”.
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Outdoor Classroom Day is a national campaign spearheaded by Nature Play WA, with more than 200,000 children in Australia taking part in this year’s event.