Kate Middleton has spoken about her concerns for the next generation, saying that rising anxiety among children and young people worries her most.
She discussed the issue with Robert Macfarlane for Country Life magazine, in an issue guest-edited by Prince William.
Asked why nature is important for children and young people, Kate said today’s generation spends more time online and is more connected to technology than ever before.
She believes this makes it especially important for children to feel that they belong, have strong connections with others and feel emotionally secure. Spending time in nature, she said, can help them develop these feelings.
“What worries me is the growing anxiety among children and young people,” Kate said.
She also explained that nature helps children become more curious, imaginative and creative.
Activities such as collecting leaves, building things with sticks, climbing trees or simply watching what happens around them give children opportunities to learn.
Through these experiences, she said, children discover more about themselves, other people and the world.
“It is essential for our wellbeing,” Kate added.
