Nature-Based School Programs: A Remedy for Child Mental Health?

In a groundbreaking study published in *JAMA Network Open*, researchers from McGill and Université de Montréal explored how structured time in nature can alleviate mental health issues among schoolchildren aged 10 to 12. **Conducted across 33 schools in Quebec** in spring 2023, the study involved over 500 children, half of whom engaged in two-hour weekly outdoor activities in nearby parks. The controlled trial revealed that this nature exposure significantly reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression, aggressivity, and social issues, especially in children who initially had the most severe symptoms. **Teachers reported notable improvements** in classroom behavior, citing increased calmness and attentiveness among students. The nature program, integrated with regular subjects like math and science, also included mental health-promoting activities such as drawing and mindful walking. **This low-cost intervention has been celebrated for its accessibility and effectiveness**, offering an equitable mental health benefit across diverse economic backgrounds. The research team, hoping to expand this into teenage cohorts, aims to address climate anxiety and foster a deeper connection with nature.