Green play areas need

HAVING outdoor space to play is not only good for children’s physical health but also vital for their mental wellbeing, new research has found.

A report to be presented to the Ecocity World Summit in Melbourne this week says that high- density neighbourhoods need more green space to give children a healthy start in life.

The Australian study is one of the world’s largest studies into the mental and physical health of children up to the age of 13. Data from 10,000 Aussie children was analysed.

Researchers Dr Xiaoqi Feng and Associate Professor Thomas Astell- Burt at the University of Wollongong found marked differences in children who grew up in greener neighbourhoods compared to those who have less access to park areas.

Access to high- quality green space was even more important for mental wellbeing as the children got older, the research found.