The relationship between spending time in nature and children’s attention span

Abstract

Children today spend significantly more time on screens and less time engaging in nature play than previous generations, raising concerns about their physical and cognitive development. Increasing evidence suggests that reduced outdoor activity may contribute to issues such as childhood obesity and shorter attention spans. This thesis explores whether nature play can serve as a valuable tool in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) settings to improve children’s attention span. Through a descriptive literature review, this paper examines findings from international research that highlight a positive correlation between time spent in natural environments and improved attention, reduced symptoms of hyperactivity, and enhanced overall cognitive functioning. Studies involving both undiagnosed children and those diagnosed with ADHD suggest that natural settings support attention restoration and stress reduction. The review concludes that integrating nature play into early childhood education may offer a promising approach to supporting children’s focus and self-regulation.