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Available expert:

Dr. Eun-Young Lee, Associate Professor, School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen’s University

The breakthrough:

Active outdoor play is emerging as a powerful, evidence-based response to modern challenges including mental health issues, social isolation, environmental degradation, and the increasing sedentary lifestyles driven by digital dependency. The , coordinated by and supported by global research led by and colleagues, broadens the call for outdoor play across all ages and communities, emphasizing its vital role for personal and overall well-being.

The research:

Dr. Lee co-authored two key academic papers published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity that underpin this new statement. These papers document a rigorous three-year global consensus process involving more than 200 experts and 18 systematic literature reviews. The research synthesizes health, social, and environmental benefits of active outdoor play and recommends actionable strategies for governments, schools, health professionals, and communities to expand equitable access to safe and inclusive outdoor play environments.

Why this matters:

Active outdoor play is shown to improve physical health, mental well-being, social connection, and environmental awareness. It reduces loneliness, anxiety, and stress, while supporting physical mobility at all ages. In an era of climate change, it also fosters resilience and a collective sense of responsibility towards nature. Making outdoor play accessible for diverse populations can transform public health outcomes, reduce healthcare pressures, and cultivate more equitable, connected communities — providing a practical blueprint for thriving in the modern world.

See the related article in the Gazette for further information.

For interviews, contact:

Andrew Carroll, Media Relations Officer 
andrew.carroll@queensu.ca 
613-876-8059

Julie Brown, Manager, Media Relations 
brown.julie@queensu.ca 
343-363-2763