A passion for technology doesn’t have to mean an end to fresh air fun, writes Jane McGowan
When I was a youngster, May was the time to dust off my bicycle and get outside with friends. Don’t get me wrong, I am not talking the full Enid Blyton. I could fester in my Duran Duran-bedecked bedroom with the best of them. But, for today’s tech-loving teens (and even tweens), free time often means binge-watching 10 seasons of some Netflix drama, staring inanely at YouTubers as they apply make-up or Snapchatting questionable messages to friends. No matter what the weather, it would appear that nothing beats an hour or seven staring into the screen of a smartphone.
Last summer, a study by the Education Policy Institute (EPI) think tank found that more than 37.3% of 15-year-olds in the UK spent more than six hours a day on the internet, classifying them as ‘extreme internet users’. Perhaps more worryingly, children in Britain are being introduced to the online world at a much younger age than many other nations, the survey found. More than 27% of young people in the UK were just six years or younger when they first logged on.
“The key is to have a balance,” says consultant clinical psychologist Dr Nihara Krause. “Parents shouldn’t panic. The internet is an important part of their schooling and the fact that it is also a big part of their leisure too means they inevitably spend a lot of time online. The trick is to try and reduce overuse.”
Dr Krause believes that any activity you suggest must be seen to be equal in fun value as that offered by their gadgets, and just demanding that they go for a walk is probably not going to be welcomed.
“If you ask an adult about a favourite childhood memory, they often cite playing outside or having an adventure,” says Dr Krause. “Fresh air is so important for young people. To connect with nature is so beneficial, it is great for de-stressing. But they often need something to inspire them.”
And that is why places such as the Surrey Wildlife Trust are embracing new technology.
“We do use quite a lot of technology to bring children closer to nature,” says SWT spokesperson Lis Speight. “At our Nower Wood Education Centre near Leatherhead, we use electronic microscopes which allow classes to go out and hunt for minibeasts. They then bring them back to the classroom to study them enlarged in all their glory. Looking at a giant ant on a screen is quite an incredible experience and the children are always really amazed and engaged by this.
“Lots of our students now use iPads and mobile phones when they are out and about exploring and learning about nature – either to take notes or photographs or both. Our social media feeds are full of wonderful photos of nature taken on mobile phones.”
With this in mind, I think I’ll drag the bikes out of the shed, grab my children and get some fresh air. But where to go? Wait, I’ll Google it!
Top outdoor tech apps
Veho VMS-001, 20-200x Magnification USB Digital Microscope; £49.99 – amazon.co.uk
Simply connect to a computer or a tablet via USB to get up close and personal with a host of minibeasts, flora and fauna. Fantastic magnification. Will appeal to all budding biologists!
V Tech Kiddizoom ActionCam 180 Digital Camera; £34.99 – johnlewis.com
Designed especially for children, the ActionCam 180 enables youngsters to take great photos and videos on the move. Create fun stop motion, slow motion or fast motion videos with a great selection of background music to choose from. Also includes a time-lapse recording function and a waterproof case which allows you to take underwater photos or great shots in the rain. Plus, a mount that allows you to attach the camera to a bicycle.
Kurio Watch; £59.99 – argos.co.uk
This chunky, funky watch allows kids to take photographs and videos and share with other users or Android devices. Play games outside with the motion sensor app or get creative with the drawing tools and photo filters.
Top outdoor apps
For younger children the iRecordButterflies is ideal. Run in partnership with the Butterfly Conservation Trust and the Biological Records Centre, it does as you would expect and records your butterfly sightings using basic values such as colours and wing markings.
The Wildlife Trust’s Nature Finder features a map of more than 2,000 UK nature reserves including things to look out for at various reserves, events and much more.
Let’s Go Pond Dipping – a very educational app for identifying and recording pond life. A ‘Name That’ tab identifies your finds and shares with other users who can set their own ‘Find This’ challenge.
Pocket Explorers – combining great tech with the great outdoors. Ideal for families looking to fill time outside – whether that’s 10 minutes or a school holiday! There are missions to complete, activities to try (once you get home) and you can share your experience with other users.
Geocaching – be a part of the ‘world’s largest treasure-hunting community’ with this app that encourages you to get out and explore. The premise is simple: follow the clues to find the treasure (usually worth under £1), record your details and leave a piece of treasure for the next person.
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