Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder is a book written by Richard Louv in 2005. It discusses how children in the United States are spending less time outdoors and how this lack of time in nature, called "nature-deficit disorder," can affect children and society. The author also explains ways to address the problems he describes. A new version of the book with additional information was published in 2008.

Synopsis

In the book, Louv explains that today's children are spending less time in nature than children in past generations. He says that spending time outdoors is important for healthy growth. He uses research showing that less time in natural areas can lead to problems with behavior and emotions. Being in nature can help children and adults who have stress, sadness, weight issues, and other health problems. Louv uses the term "nature-deficit disorder" to describe the growing lack of connection to nature. He says this condition affects health, spiritual well-being, and the ability to feel truly alive.

Louv says that imaginative outdoor play has been replaced by organized activities like sports, electronic games, and fears about safety. He believes these changes are caused by worries in society, exaggerated news stories, and rules that limit children's access to natural areas. He mentions that government rules, such as those that stop children from building treehouses or exploring nearby woods, reduce chances for unstructured outdoor play. Louv also says that schools have become more focused on preparing students for tests, often removing or reducing outdoor learning and science lessons. One fifth grader said, "I like to play indoors better because that’s where all the electrical outlets are." Louv adds that the actual dangers of outdoor play are very small, and exaggerated news stories have made parents worry more than necessary about children's safety.

Reception

The book was listed on the New York Times Best Seller list for best nonfiction. The author was awarded the Audubon Medal for raising awareness about the negative effects on health and society caused by children spending too much time away from nature—and for helping start a movement to address this issue.

During the second term of President Barack Obama, Sally Jewell, who was the CEO of REI and the Secretary of the Interior, carried a backpack filled with copies of the book to the White House. She gave the books to the President and White House staff.

Versions

• English: The Last Child in the Woods, Hardcover edition (April 15, 2005), ISBN 978-1-56512-391-5; Paperback, Revised and Expanded edition (April 10, 2008), ISBN 978-1-56512-605-3; Audio CD, Recorded Books, Unabridged edition (December 20, 2007), ISBN 978-1-4281-6967-8
• Japanese: Anatano Kodomoniwa Shizenga Tarinai, Hardcover edition (July 20, 2006), ISBN 978-4152087515

Children & Nature Network

The book Last Child in the Woods was very successful, which led to the start of the Children & Nature Network. This group was created and led by the book's author, Richard Louv. Its goal is to help and support people and groups working to help children connect with nature.

Green Hour

Green Hour is an organization that gives information about how to reverse Nature-Deficit Disorder. It also helps parents encourage their children to explore and reconnect with the outdoors.