Children and Families
Our research shows that the places where children grow up have a major influence on their health and happiness. For example, we know that exposure to road noise can be stressful for children, and that children who play in natural areas gain better balance and agility. Traffic-dominated neighbourhoods are simply bad for everyone’s fitness and health.
What we would like to see...
A step change is needed in our attitude towards public space in the UK. In many places the everyday environments in which children are growing up undermine their ability to be healthy, and certainly their ability to stay safe. To tackle the twin problems of obesity and climate change, children must be able to get around safely and enjoyably by foot and cycle, use their streets for social activity and play, and connect with nature in green and natural spaces. Unless we turn the corner on decades of road domination, children will inherit a world increasingly rich in concrete, noise, pollution and fear.
 |
|
"The evidence compiled in our report suggests that it may not be possible to deliver the goals of ECM at all unless the environment becomes one of its leading considerations." |
What does the environment have to do with children’s well-being?
It’s not just the big issues like climate change that pose problems for children and young people. Many suffer from poor environments on their doorstep bringing, particularly the ones growing up in low-income families. DCSF asked us to explore how the environment affected its ability to deliver the flagship Every Child Matters programme, and we published our results in 2007. Every Child’s Future Matters is written for those working to improve the lives of children.
The revised version, updated in October 2009, includes updated resource lists and new government policy supporting improvements to the places where children live, learn and play.
|
"Sustainable development is a non-negotiable for children’s well-being." The Children’s Plan, DCSF, 2007 |
» Download Every Child's Future Matters - Main report
If you would like to receive a hard copy please email:
enquiries@sd-commission.org.uk
Our research identified three immediate priorities:
Traffic: aside from safety issues air and noise pollution spoils children’s neighbourhoods. ‘Traffic taming’ should be a priority so that young people can reclaim their mobility by foot and bicycle, and travel safely around their homes and to and from local services like schools.
Green space: for the benefit of children’s mental and physical health and their freedom to play, those involved in planning and regenerating residential areas should make pedestrian access to (and management of) quality green spaces a high priority. Housing should also be sited well away from major sources of pollution and noise like main roads.
Climate change: given the findings of the Stern Review, can children achieve economic well-being in the face of climate change? All programmes and policies brought forward by government and public service providers should be screened for their contribution to carbon emissions, and challenged if they cannot be accomplished within environmental limits.
|
"Our generation is the first to knowingly degrade the environment at the expense of children now and in the future – a fact that challenges much of our rhetoric about the importance of children in society." |
Play
Children develop physically, psychologically and socially through play; it’s their way of expressing themselves and exploring the world. Play in green space and natural environments helps children to stay physically active, develop their balance and motor skills and connect with nature. It also has an important positive effect on their mental health. DCSF is working to reinvigorate play provision across England and recently published a Play Strategy.
Links
Children’s views
Children have lots of ideas about how to make the world a better place.
» Children’s opinions about the environment at an early age
Public space
The quality of public space affects children’s ability to stay fit and healthy. The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) has prepared guidance for local decision-makers and planners to help them create healthier places.
» NICE work on promoting physical activity specifically in children
Research from Scotland found that even small parks can help to reduce the health gap between rich and poor. Councils were advised to introduce more greenery to their areas to improve people’s well-being.
» Study linking well-being and green space
Traffic
Traffic affects quality of life. In one study of three streets, people on the busiest street had less than one quarter the number of local friends and half the number of local acquaintances compared with the least busy street. Children also had fewer opportunities for outdoor play because of accident risk and pollution.
