12-year-old Alannah Would Rather Bushwalk than Scroll

Hey kids, your friend Alannah wants you to get outdoors these school holidays and enjoy God's creation

Key points:

Alannah, 12, is spending her school holidays bushwalking, going to sleepovers and doing Pathfinders, rather than on devices.
Research from the Australian Institute of Family Studies and NSW National Parks backs up the wellbeing benefits of time outdoors, including stronger social and emotional health, a clearer mind and greater creativity.
Alannah wants to encourage other kids to put screens down these holidays, saying it’s a chance to spend time with family and be more present.

It’s almost surprising to meet 12-year-old Alannah from the Blue Mountains near Sydney.

In a world filled with negotiating screen-time limits and coaxing kids outdoors, Alannah’s school holidays aren’t about devices.

They are about getting out of the house, spending time with family and enjoying God’s creation.

“I’m doing Pathfinders and I’m also going to sleepovers with my friends,” Alannah told Hope Mornings about some of her school holiday plans.

“I’m also going bushwalking.”

Choosing nature over screens

When asked if she was only going bushwalking because her parents tell her she has to, Alannah laughed off the suggestion.

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“No, it’s a choice that I like doing,” Alannah said.

“I really like going bushwalking because you’re away from screens and stuff like that.

“You can just feel nature around you and feel God’s presence.”

The Australian Institute of Family Studies agrees that contact with nature supports the social and emotional wellbeing of children.

However, the AIFS research indicates children are spending more time indoors than previous generations.

Being present in the moment

Not yet a teenager, Alannah has already discovered something many adults are still trying to learn.

“What’s so great is that for once you’re not looking at a screen scrolling, you’re actually in the moment and living it,” Alannah said.

According to NSW National Parks, time outdoors can help clear the mind, boost creativity and encourage people to disconnect from distractions.

Alannah heads out bushwalking once or twice a month, often navigating without the use of cutting-edge technology.

“Sometimes you go by map, which is normally what we do,” Alannah said.

Encouraging other kids to get outside

Alannah knows exactly what she would say these school holidays to any children glued to their screens.

“I would encourage them to [go bushwalking] because it’s nice to spend time with your family,” Alannah said.

“It’s good to get up on your feet and actually walk. And it’s very healthy for your lifestyle.”

Less scrolling, more bushwalking. Alannah’s approach shows us the benefits of greater connection with loved ones and a deeper appreciation for the world God has made.

Listen to the full interview in the player above.

Feature image: Canva Pro

Ben McEachen

Ben hosts Mornings on Hope 103.2 and the ‘Money: Faith & Finance’ podcast. He is well known for his long-running work as a movie reviewer on Open House and The Big Picture. With a background in journalism and theology, he brings thoughtful insight to conversations around faith, culture and current affairs.