Is the Mental Health Crisis in Youth from a Lack of Independence?

Segment 4, October 28th, 2023 A recent study by Peter Gray, a researcher in psychology & neuroscience at Boston College joined with David Bjorklund from Florida Atlantic University & David Lancy, an anthropologist & professor from Utah State argues that the crisis that has befallen U.S. youth can be traced to a lack of independence. Lancy stated that the three authors were “struck by the shrinkage in the amount of time that children spend on their own & the territory they may explore…” during an interview with Caitlin Gibson of the Washington Post. This along with the published theory of Richard Louv in his 2005 book “Last Child in the Woods” coined the term Nature Deficit Disorder.  This was from children now spending much more time indoors than in previous generations. The gang at the Carolina Outdoors isn’t for promoting high risk activities in children but feel that the promotion of being outside, enjoying a hike, some time fly fishing, or even a permitted bike ride in the neighborhood helps build independence and a healthy, mental state & disposition. In other words, make your kids spend some portion of their week outdoors.