Exposing Youth to Nature may Decrease Bullying

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[The weather is warming up and spring is in the air! Youth (and parents for that matter) restless from cabin fever are starting to spend more time enjoying the outdoors. "Playing outside is not only a physically healthy activity, but is good for the overall wellbeing of the child", says Youth Development Educator Michelle Bisel.

"Playing outdoors stimulates the senses and is important to the development of children. Some studies even state that there are negative affects to a child who is not exposed to nature", says Bisel. Bullying and anti-social behavior are also less common for youth who experience nature and the world around them on a regular basis.

Southern Illinois offers rich opportunities for children to explore the world around them. The diversity of landscape and environment in the area allow children to explore new world's right at home, be it the forests, wetlands, or prairie.

Possible nature activities this spring may include:

Trip to a local park to observe animals interacting in their natural environment

Start or maintain a raised bed or container garden

Take a trip to hike around Giant City State Park

Take a trip to the otherworldly Cache River in deep Southern Illinois

Create an ant or worm farm (explore vermicomposting!)

Involving nature in the life of children does not need to be elaborate, difficult, nor expensive. For resources on exploring nature visit The University of Illinois Extension at \http://web.extension.illinois.edu

For information on bullying and other University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Development programs, contact your local University of Illinois Extension office or visit http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h.