For International Youth Day – 12 August
In light of International Youth Day, we’d like to share an interesting study which highlights the connection between nature and mental health, particularly in children. Liu et al. (2025) examined data from just under 12,000 children aged 9-10, and found that green space exposure, for example living near trees, parks, or grassy areas, can physically shape the brain through changes in brain structure and function.
Highlights
How Greenery Supports Growing Brains
The study found that greater exposure to greenery was linked to various key aspects of brain growth. Children living in greener areas tended to have larger cortical surface areas, greater cortical and subcortical volume, and increased cortical thickness, particularly in brain regions related to vision and movement.
These structural differences were also associated with fewer behavioural and emotional difficulties, including lower levels of anxiety and aggression. Interestingly, green space exposure was also a predictor of intelligence, particularly regarding learned knowledge and language.
In other words, the presence of green space in a child’s environment appears to support both their emotional wellbeing and their ability to learn and communicate.
A Closer Look at Brain Connectivity
As well as changes to brain structure, the researchers explored the role of white matter microstructure, which helps different parts of the brain communicate with each other. They found that children with more green space exposure showed signs of more efficient brain connectivity, which was indicated by:
This is associated with improved self-regulation, that is the ability to regulate your own emotions, and stronger performance on tests of fluid intelligence (problem-solving and reasoning) and crystallised intelligence (learned knowledge and language). These findings imply that natural environments can help the brain develop more effective ‘internal wiring’, which in turn facilitates learning, attention, and behaviour.
Not All Green Spaces Are the Same
Interestingly, the study also revealed that the type of green space makes a difference. A separate pattern was shown among children living in more densely forested environments. In this group, the findings actually indicated less favourable effects on brain connectivity and cognitive performance.
Specifically, children living in forests showed lower white matter integrity and lower scores for fluid intelligence. This could be due to lower levels of visual, physical, and social stimulation in isolated or less accessible green environments. In other words, whilst natural settings are valuable, the context in which children engage with them is crucial.
Implications for Urban Design
This study builds on earlier theories such as Attention Restoration Theory and Stress Reduction Theory, which respectively suggest that natural environments can help us focus and reduce stress. What’s particularly compelling is the suggestion that these benefits are not just psychological but may also be biological, influencing the way young brains grow and connect.
From an urban planning perspective, this highlights the importance of accessible, varied, and engaging green spaces. Parks, gardens, and natural play areas that encourage movement, exploration, and social interaction are likely to offer the most benefit, especially in under-resourced communities where children may have fewer opportunities to connect with nature.
Designing with these needs in mind could be a meaningful way to support both mental health and learning outcomes for the next generation.
Looking Ahead
As we mark International Youth Day, this research serves as a reminder that the environments we create for children have a lasting impact. Whilst the benefits of green space may seem obvious, studies like this help to quantify its value and show that urban nature is not a luxury, but a necessity for healthy development.
By investing in thoughtfully designed, inclusive green spaces, we can help young people thrive, not only in how they feel, but in how their brains develop and how they learn to navigate the world around them.
Reference
Liu, J., Yang, Y., Kong, T., Liu, R., & Luo, L. (2025). Associations among green space exposure, brain, and mental health and cognition in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 104, 102625. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2025.102625