The report, published this week by think-tank Demos, said the Government must rethink the planning of towns and cities to prevent children from being segregated out of public areas. It found that trends in Britain point towards less outdoor play, an increasing reliance on private transport, more parental anxiety and less freedom for children and young people.
Recommendations in Seen and Heard: Reclaiming the public realm with children and young people include 20mph speed limits in residential areas and building iconic play spaces in high profile locations to challenge expectations of where play can take place.
The research was conducted via a series of interviews with young people, professionals and policymakers in six areas of the UK over nine months.
C0-author Celia Hannon said, 'Unless young people are in structured activities or acting as mini-consumers, we assume that they are causing trouble. Our streets, squares and parks need to be accessible and enjoyable for all, otherwise existing anxiety around anti-social behaviour will get worse.'
Adrian Voce, director of Play England, added, 'This report addresses one of the most serious challenges we face as a society: the disappearance of children and young people from public space. Demos's proposals demand a positive, robust and urgent response from all levels of government and society at large.'
The report was unveiled in London at an event attended by children's minister Beverley Hughes.
Further information: www.demos.co.uk.
