Scholars associated with the Urban Health Community of Practice of ISOCARP (International Society of City and Regional Planners) present an overview of social measures five countries (Australia, the United Arab Emirates, Greece, India and Spain) -- or cities within these countries -- have enacted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Choice of countries and cities was based on the authors' familiarity with the areas. From their own observations, the authors identify ways in which the social measures – especially “social distancing” measures – can impact children's physical and emotional status. The authors raise the concern that while children may be less affected medically by the pandemic, they may be “influenced more than expected, both physically and mentally, since their social and spatial developmental needs are different to those of adults.”
Included in this paper are a series of questions and critical reflections regarding the spatial, social and physical effects of the current crisis on children. The authors note how the issues involved require a “paradigm shift” and a “transformational change” in the planning and design of urban environments. Of utmost importance is the need to address “unequal access to main utilities and to safe, open space.” They also note how, while issues of access disparities have always been present, the pandemic has exacerbated the situation. They discuss, for example, how children living in overcrowded “informal” housing with lack of open space could, due to social distancing requirements, face increased exposure to domestic violence and other health risks. Children living in “formal communities,” on the other hand, “hold a privileged position to comply with the lockdown rules” as they usually have better access to outdoor open space for play.
Recommendations offered by the authors for a healthier post-COVID world include prioritizing the needs of children in the planning of urban built environments. Doing so requires combining knowledge from diverse fields, including architecture, urban planning, and public health. Building a healthier future for children also requires the engagement of children. A “meaningful post-COVID-19 set of policies related to urban health and planning must consider a children-led design approach.”
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