Playing during a Pandemic: Why children need outdoor play more than ever.

Authors

  • Nila Joshi PhD in Health Student Project Coordinator, PLEY School Student Research Scholar, Healthy Populations Institute
  • Michelle Stone Assistant Professor,School of Health and Human Performance, Division of Kinesiology, Dalhousie University Associate Research Scholar, Healthy Populations Institute Scientific Staff, IWK Health Centre

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15273/hpj.v1i1.10581

Abstract

Outdoor play is fundamental to children‘s physical, mental, and socio-emotional development. However, with the sudden emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, several restrictions have been put in place limiting the way children play, which has unfortunately impacted their physical and emotional health and well being. This  commentary discusses why outdoor play is critical in helping children adapt to the uncertainty presented by COVID-19, and how outdoor play serves as a mechanism for children to keep physically and mentally well.

References

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Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 12(6), 6475–6505. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph120606475

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Published

2021-05-05

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Section

Commentary