Children's perception of urban green infrastructure and nature-related digital tools

Urban green infrastructure (UGI) is an interconnected green network of multifunctional ecological systems in or around urban areas, playing a vital role in children's physical and cognitive development. Children's reduced interaction with UGI is partly attributed to their growing reliance on digital technology, yet digital interventions could positively influence this interaction. However, the influence of digital technology on children's perceptions of UGI remains understudied. This study aims to identify facilitators and barriers to children-nature interaction from their perspectives, examine the determinants of children's perception of connection to nature, and explore their perception of the UGI depending on their age, gender, and the presence or absence of a nature-related digital tool. A total of 153 children aged 8–12 and 109 parents participated in this study in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands. Children explored a UGI route using either a GPS-based application, or a guide and a map. Children identified playing with peers and families as a facilitator of their interaction with nature and the use of digital tools as a barrier. The results show that children's perception of connection to nature is higher among girls, and positively correlates with their parents' perception of connection to nature and attitudes towards its benefits. Children's perception of connection to nature increases after a nature-related activity across all groups, with boys and older children showing greater improvement. For knowledge transfer and creating an engaging environment, a knowledgeable and enthusiastic tour guide still outperforms a digital tool. Our findings provide insights for urban designers, policy makers, and digital intervention developers to create child-friendly UGIs and digital technologies that enhance interaction with it.