Forest schools don’t actually boost most children’s mental health

Health

Swapping classrooms for the woods doesn’t appear to improve most children’s mental health, but they may still enjoy it

By Christa Lesté-Lasserre


Facebook / Meta


Twitter / X icon




Linkedin


Reddit


Email



Children in Quebec, Canada, taking part in the Open Sky School programme

Children in Quebec, Canada, taking part in the Open Sky School programme

Nathanael Corre/École à Ciel Ouvert

Forest schools, where students spend some of their time learning outside, seem to have no immediate benefits to most children’s mental health, but could help those with pre-existing mental health issues.

These schools are popular in parts of Europe and North America, with research suggesting that spending time in nature can improve children’s behavioural and emotional problems.

To test the effects of having classes in nature, …

More from New Scientist

Explore the latest news, articles and features

Read More

Latest

NASA Webb Uncovers Unusual Galaxy Shaped by Cosmic Collision

Science & Nature In new images from NASA’s James...

Researchers in Switzerland invent a new type of pixel

Science & Nature Pixels either control light or analyze...

Farewell, atom-smashing Large Hadron Collider

Science & Nature After 18 years of discovery, it's...

Why humans find fire so mesmerizing

Science & Nature It's not just cozy vibes. We're...

Newsletter

Don't miss

NASA Webb Uncovers Unusual Galaxy Shaped by Cosmic Collision

Science & Nature In new images from NASA’s James...

Researchers in Switzerland invent a new type of pixel

Science & Nature Pixels either control light or analyze...

Farewell, atom-smashing Large Hadron Collider

Science & Nature After 18 years of discovery, it's...

Why humans find fire so mesmerizing

Science & Nature It's not just cozy vibes. We're...

Business seminar in Munich highlights Hong Kong’s strategic roles amidst global shifts (with photos)

Business seminar in Munich highlights Hong Kong's strategic roles amidst global shifts (with photos) ******************************************************************************************      The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Berlin (HKETO Berlin), promoted Hong Kong's unique advantages and strategic roles at the seminar "Hong Kong's strategic role amidst geopolitical tensions" on June 18 (Munich time) in Munich, Germany.             Senior executives, investors

AI for business services: From job fears to productivity

AI for business services: From job fears to productivity

Business Insurance-AZ Achieves Record Response Times for 2026 Arizona Construction Bids

Business Insurance-AZ achieves milestone response speeds for commercial construction bids across Arizona, accelerating documentation delivery to keep local projects moving forward without delay. Phoenix, AZ, June 06-2026, ZEX PR WIRE — Business Insurance-AZ has achieved record-breaking processing speeds and response times for commercial construction bids throughout Arizona, directly supporting the state’s massive infrastructure and advanced manufacturing boom