“Imagine if our lives, and those of our children, were as deeply intertwined with nature as they are with technology?” — Richard Louv

My childhood memories are filled with moments at the creek near our home, picking tomatoes at my grandparents’ place, nurturing flowers in my grandmother’s garden, endless bike rides, and spontaneous games of softball in the local open space. Growing up in a quaint town in Central Kentucky, I was always outside, as were my children, though to a slightly lesser extent. Sadly, the current generation is even more disconnected from the outdoors.

Increasingly, we find ourselves tethered to our digital devices, spending vast hours indoors. Richard Louv, in his 2005 book “No Child Left Inside,” termed this phenomenon as Nature Deficiency Disorder. He suggested that the absence of nature in today’s tech-driven generation is contributing to worrying trends in childhood, such as obesity, attention disorders, and even depression and suicide.

Safety concerns and litigation fears have led to the creation of “safe play spaces.” Hectic schedules mean cars over feet, and children’s playtime is now more structured and organized. A growing unease with the outdoors, or Biophobia, is evident. Just recently, at a community meeting discussing a city grant to introduce more native plants, a resident commented on the already “excessive” wildlife and bugs.

Robert Bateman, a renowned wildlife artist and conservationist, notes, “Without recognizing and naming them, how can we cherish them? And if we don’t value them, how will we be motivated to protect them or support protective measures?”

There’s a silver lining, though. The recent pandemic enforced outdoor activities to minimize virus spread. People began valuing open spaces, with a 2020 Gallup survey indicating a rising preference for rural living.

However, our focus should be on the youth, the architects of our future. Research shows that nature-centric learning enhances academic performance and student engagement. Young children, aged 2-7, build empathy for nature. Engaging with animals and plants nurtures this bond. Studies even indicate that a majority of dreams of children under six are about animals, highlighting the age’s importance for nature interaction.

For children aged 8-12, their surroundings become a playground for discovery. It’s the age of curiosity, adventure, and imagination. Teenagers, aged 13-18, start to understand their place in the world and can positively impact their environment. Joining environmental clubs and nature groups can foster this realization.

Even as adults, we can break our tech-driven routines. Committing to a weekly technology detox day, engaging in nature walks, or even forest meditation can rejuvenate us. Before sleeping, switch off tech devices and resist placing them near the bed.

Nature Deficit Disorder is treatable, but it requires deliberate effort.

Doris Settles, an enthusiastic gardener from Lexington, Kentucky, has penned five books. Her latest, “Leira Clara’s Flowers,” is a heartwarming tale about a girl’s gardening journey with her grandmother. With a background in technology, Settles has collaborated with the Kentucky Attorney General’s office for over ten years, focusing on online safety and cyberbullying awareness for educators and mental health professionals.