Survey: Teens Spend Only One Hour Outdoors Per School Day

On a typical school day, teenagers spend just one hour outdoors, according to a new survey from the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF). The survey uncovers critical insights into how teens interact with the environment in today’s technology-driven world. It finds that although most teens (80 percent) say they prefer to spend time indoors, they overwhelmingly recognize that time outdoors makes them healthier (92 percent) and happier (88 percent). The survey sheds light on those to whomteens turn for environmental education, noting that parents and educators are trusted sources for information about the environment. However, the survey also highlights the need for both groups to do more since only 62 percent of teens feel knowledgeable about the environment and even fewer (42 percent) care about its protection. Learn more about the survey here.

The American Recreation Coalition (ARC) – in conjunction with other members of the Outdoor Recreation Industry Roundtable – is working with federal agencies including the National Park Service (NPS) andU.S. Forest Service to help connect today’s tech-savvy youth to their public lands and waters.  “Whether it’s pilot programs like AccessParks’ efforts to bring broadband internet to front-country NPS sites, or new educational apps like Agents of Discovery, expanding and improving electronic access is key to engaging the next generation of Americans with their Great Outdoors,” said ARC President Derrick Crandall.