This study explored children's perceptions of the role the natural environment plays in the creation of a child-friendly city (CFC). The study also considered how the children's perceptions and the meanings they attach to natural spaces impact their subjective well-being (SWB). Research in the past has generally considered children's well-being from an adult-centric perspective. This study and other current research recognizes the importance of children's own perspectives and judgments regarding their personal well-being.
Thirty-two children (age 13-14) from an impoverished community in Cape Town, South Africa participated in small group interviews conducted by the researchers. The community is typified by high levels of poverty, crime, and violence, along with inadequate infrastructure. Families in this community generally experience high unemployment rates, high levels of substance use, and low levels of education. Due to safety concerns, many South African families do not allow their children to walk to school or play outside. The interview questions and follow-up probes used during the semi-structured interviews invited children to share their views of the community in which they lived and what could be done to make the community more child-friendly. The focus group discussions were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and then analyzed for major themes.
Three key themes relating to the creation of child-friendly cities (CFCs) emerged from the data: Child and environmentally friendly neighborhoods, Environmentally friendly spaces and places for children, and Environmental awareness in the school curriculum. Concerns about safety impacted children's views in each of these areas; and their overall assessment of their community was that it was not a child-friendly place. The children did not view the natural environment itself as a threatening place. In fact, they specified natural spaces as their favorite places. The lack of safety in the community, however, restricted the children's discovery and exploration of the natural environment. The children's recommendations on how to make their community more child friendly included adding community gardens, parks, green recreation areas, and animal sanctuaries. The children noted how natural spaces in a CFC would allow for interaction and engagement with children and adults. The children felt strongly about introducing environmental education in the school curriculum and suggested that doing so might influence their peers to behave in more environmentally responsible ways.
This study highlights the importance of incorporating children's access to safe natural spaces in the creation of child-friendly neighborhoods. Doing so is viewed as being critical to the promotion of children's subjective well-being.
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