In-between the child and the city: fears and affection

Free movement through quality urban environments is essential for children's full development. The gradual decline of independent child mobility––children's exploration of their residential surroundings without adult supervision––in several countries has therefore worried public authorities. Given the scarcity of studies addressing this urban issue, qualitative research was carried out with children, between 6 and 12 years old (incomplete), in the city of Belo Horizonte (Brazil). This study aimed to explore, from children's perspectives, which aspects impact the quality of the urban experience and, therefore, independent child mobility. The generation of data by the children involved the application of interviews, drawing and photo-elicitation. Inductive thematic analysis and triangulation were used for qualitative data analysis and validation of results, respectively. It was found that despite different fears permeating children's urban experience, they have been able to perceive and update positive affordances of an emotional, functional and social nature.