Is There a Place for Children in the City?

The following questions are addressed: What are the characteristics of cities and neighbourhoods that are positive or negative for children? What are the implications for children's lives of the existence of these positive characteristics, of their being able to take advantage of them? The problems facing children in their use of the various parts of the city are identified, as are the reasons why it is important to address these problems, and the elements of the city and the neighbourhood that can make a positive contribution to the quality of life of children, if they are responsive to their needs. At the city level, the critical aspects are those physical and social factors that facilitate or hinder the independent use by children of the existing opportunities and services. At the neighbourhood level, the important environmental characteristics are those that facilitate independent outdoor play at as early an age as possible.