Less time outdoors during COVID-19 impacts teen health, NC State survey reveals

During COVID-19, lockdowns and online classes meant many teens and adolescents have never spent more time at home or less time outdoors.

Researchers at North Carolina State University looked at the pandemic’s impact on youth ages 10 to 18.

"Our results are pretty startling," explained lead author and grad student Brent Jackson.

A national survey in a wide variety of rural, suburban and urban communities revealed how often the age group spent time outdoors as well as their overall mood before and after the start of COVID-19.

According to Jackson, the survey found 52% of youth reported declines in their mental well being, and 64% of youth reported declines in their participation in outdoor activities.

Many school or club-based athletic activities were delayed or shutdown due to the pandemic. Those who did stay active outdoors, be it biking, hiking, fishing or just taking a long walk, fared better.

"Spending more time outside builds resilience in youth. It allows them to cope with the additional stresses that the pandemic has put on them," said Jackson.

Survey respondents included those in urban as well as rural areas of the country. More free access to natural surroundings led to better outcomes.

"One thing that we can take away from this is that improved access would benefit youth," Jackson said.

The survey also indicates that middle and high schoolers are more susceptible to stress overall.

"Getting kids outside right now is a good way to help them manage that stress," said Jackson.