A neighbourhood structured for children and youth

Cities are rarely designed for children and youth, despite our knowledge about the importance of early child development for future life opportunities. However, a city designed for children, will also be one that is better for adults, with less car traffic, pollution, noise, more open space, and more opportunities to interact safely with other people. This chapter argues the need to give far more consideration to the needs of children, starting with support for parents with young children, and age-appropriate facilities as the child requires opportunities and locations for their growing independence. Green playgrounds that offer self-exploration and time in nature are increasingly seen as important in an urban setting. Safe access to independent travel to school, sport and recreational activities, need to be provided for older children, to build self-confidence, independent learning and self-esteem, to counter the growing mental health problems found in youth dependent on digital devices played indoors.