Screens, stress and salt marshes

How nature immersion is transforming student and teacher wellbeing.

Here’s a few statistics that we want you to sit with; “Children aged between 5-16 spend at least 6 hours a day looking at screens - split between gaming, television and mobile phones”. For adults, “the daily average for watching all types of screen is now almost 7.5 hours”.

Almost 50% of that time is spent on social media platforms.

Now - we’re not “anti-tech”, and we’re certainly not dissuading teachers and young people from using electronic devices. It’s a part of our lives now and it’s here to stay. 

But as part of our mission to provide innovative opportunities for learning among nature, the team at The Bioasis want to demonstrate that our programmes are just as beneficial to schools as they are to businesses. 

In this blog, we examine how a reliance on electronic devices is impacting the classroom, and why nature is perhaps the best remedy.

No screens in sight

Understanding the impact - Children

Our focus is primarily extended to the impact on child development, however we must also consider how this affects their teachers.

1. Cognitive and language delays - research suggests that children who are exposed to hours of daily screen time at a young age are six times more likely to experience speech delays, resulting in lower test results in both language and practical assessments
   

2. Reduced social interaction - screens are now replacing essential social interaction, creating a deficiency in social and emotional connection with their peers and care-givers.
   

3. Attention and behavioural problems - the reliance on constant and overly stimulating entertainment can reduce attention span and cause outbursts in the classroom. Students are often disinterested in their studies, and can be disruptive
   

4. Reduced physical development -  in young children and teenagers, we see a decline in hand-wrist strength and reduced fine motor skills
   

5. Mental health issues -  young people who have access to screen time for social media use and gaming, especially in the evening, are often more likely to struggle with anxiety, depression and addictive behaviours

In short -  our young people are struggling to sleep, finding social interactions excessively overwhelming, and are experiencing difficulties with their language, cognitive development, and problem-solving. 

Teamwork makes the dream work!

The challenge for teachers

When we look at the impact that this is having on their teachers, and their ability to teach, it’s easy to understand why such a growing challenge needs a radical solution. 

Here’s another statistic to bring some clarity to the conversation: “it can take up to 20 minutes for pupils to refocus after engaging in a non-academic screen activity”. Teachers are struggling to keep and hold their student’s attention, making the imparting and retention of knowledge during a normal lesson (typical duration of 1 hour) even more difficult. They’re grappling with numerous guidance documents from the government and regulatory bodies, while having no previous experience. 

An additional struggle for teachers is the emotional wellbeing of young people.Three quarters of children aged between 10-15 years old have experienced at least some form of online bullying either during or after school. Teachers have to manage these emotional consequences without the resources to do so. 

In summary, teachers are burning out. Their role now extends far beyond just an academic responsibility.

When the outdoors becomes your classroom

Why immersion in nature is a cure for all

In 2016, the Government carried out a study on 125 schools across the South West of England. Their findings back then demonstrated that outdoor learners are healthier and more motivated. ”92 per cent of teachers surveyed said that pupils were more engaged with learning when outdoors and 85 per cent saw a positive impact on their behaviour”. Time in nature was shown to reduce anger and aggression, improve impulse control, increase focus and attention span, and reduce symptoms of ADHD in children and young learners. Children who regularly spend time connecting with nature show higher levels of achievement in reading, mathematics, science, and social studies.

Unfortunately, the study also goes on to suggest that “55% of teachers lack confidence in outdoor learning methods”. That’s where our expertise can bridge the gap.

It started with schools...

At The Bioasis, we believe that it’s important to equip young people with the necessary skills, knowledge, and mindset to navigate an uncertain and ever-evolving future. We aim to inspire curiosity, build resilience and spark a deep connection to the world around us.

We do this through multi-day immersive adventures in a stunning 5000 acre private estate. And what’s more, we’re a mobile free zone. 

And who knows? Maybe you, as their teacher, will feel renewed and reinvigorated too!

Camera trap setting for biodiversity monitoring