Graz children share their tips for more outdoor movement

Graz children share their tips for more outdoor movement

As part of the ongoing initiative "Traudi! Asks", the children's office and Meinverzirk caught up with the votes of young Grazer. This time it's all about moving outdoors and the experiences of the children with their leisure activities. A current study has shown that more and more children worldwide are suffering from myopia, whereby almost half of all children and adolescents could be affected by 2025. The causes are diverse, but a fundamental factor seems to be the increased time indoors.

The results of the survey make it clear that many children like to play outside when the opportunity is available. For example, Janosch, 10 years old, prefers the forest near him: "I like to climb there and I also like the stream." The 12-year-old Leonie also emphasizes the importance of entertainment in nature: "When the weather is beautiful, I go to the city park with friends." Such feedback shows how positive venues with trees and green areas affect the children.

right to health through play outdoors

There are big differences in the possibilities for children to work outdoors. Not all children have access to forests or suitable open spaces in their surroundings. The creation of such places is crucial so that the children can perceive their right to health and physical exercise. The influence of adults also plays an important role here. If parents spend a lot of time in front of screens, their children also tend to act in a similar way.

Doris Glößl from the children's office explains how important the connection to nature is for children: "Children should play in the countryside, because nature is healthy. Being outside promotes their fine motor skills and sharpens their senses." She also emphasizes that children who regularly play outdoors are tended to be happier and more balanced. The question remains how society can react as a whole to ensure that all children enable access to healthy play opportunities outdoors.

For more information on these important topics and the voices of the children, see the current report www.meinbezirk.at .