According to a new research paper published by Kings College London children requiring kids outdoor clothing could soon be a thing of the past. There research shows that the number of children of school age who experience any meaningful interaction with the natural environment is shrinking. Only 10% of children now play in a natural environment compared to 40% of adults who played outside when they were the same age.

One of the factors contributing to this fall is technology, as in this modern age children have easy access to TVs, computers and social Media which all fight against ‘the great outdoors’ for time and use. In the majority of answers the computers are winning as ‘outside’ is losing out when seen as a source of inspiration and something that the children feel like they have any personal engagement with in any way.

In the past schools could pick up this slack and get children involved in educational fieldtrips. However, here again the proliferation of computers, as well a the dreaded influence of health and safety and risk assessment as well as cost cutting measures means there has been a reduction in getting kids outside. We have to see this as particularly depressing as getting outside and allowing kids to interact with this environment helps they develop an understanding of how the world works, as well as having positive educational and social benefits.

Various subjects can be used when out of the classroom, which always got my attention when I was at school, and they can all illustrate elements of the outside environment. Getting out of the classroom can help to break up routine and adds something different to the school day; it allows children to explore and use their imagination; and it allows staff to use examples from the real world to ideas that have been taught in the classroom environment.

All that is needed is basic kids outdoor clothing and a bit of gumption to organise then the kids will what the outdoors can offer and benefit from it, so lets get on with it and get that percentage back up to a higher level.