Overweight children. Urban isolation. Neighbours who’ve never spoken to each other. These are the problems being tackled by a free...Closing streets to cars so kids can play
The Scottish planning system is soon to undergo reform following an independent review. The proposals under discussion suggest an increasing...Five steps to make children’s rights a reality in the Scottish planning system
Some of the most shocking images from the crisis in Syria have been photographs of children: the body of a...Children’s authors take on the refugee crisis
Childhood obesity continues to rise
According to a report published by the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation, 107 million children (out of a global population of around 7.5 billion) are officially obese; a figure that accounts for around 5% of...Read more
Child in the City international seminar on Children’s Play in the Urban Environment
After the successful first edition of the Child in the City international seminar in Rotterdam past June, the Child in the City Foundation and European Network Child Friendly Cities are proud to announce a second...Read more
Is teaching critical thinking skills important?
In today’s technological and rapidly changing world, children need to be able to assimilate data and demonstrate critical thinking skills versus repeating a list of facts from memorization. Kids need to be critical thinkers who can...Read more
Could street play hold the key to sustainable cities?
This week saw a milestone in the UK street play movement, with the publication of three new reports. Here, Tim Gill, the author of one of them, reflects on the research, and its significance for...Read more
Mayor urged to embrace child friendly plan for London
With his revision of the London Plan, expected later this year, the London Mayor, Sadiq Khan will set out his vision for the capital for the next ten years or more. Here Adrian Voce reports...Read more
Is community ownership the way out of the housing crisis?
In this third part of her article about housing co-opertatives in Vancouver, urbanist Jillian Glover finds growing support for the idea of communities themselves becoming the new social landlords. Speaking about the affordable housing shortage in...Read more
New research highlights impact of street play
Two new reports highlight both the public health and the wider social benefits of children playing out in the streets where they live. Adrian Voce reports. New research, evaluating a three-year scheme funded by the UK...Read more
Communities thrive in Vancouver’s housing co-ops
In this second part of her article about housing co-operatives in Vancouver, urbanist Jillian Glover discovers that co-ops have a rich community spirit – giving rise to a very high demand from families with children. When visiting...Read more
Children challenge EU on basic rights
At a symposium of the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) last month, children spoke up for human rights, calling for Europe to do more to protect those most in need. Children have expressed concern about...Read more
Uncertain future for family-friendly housing co-ops
In this first part of the final article of her “Cities for Families” series, showcasing how local governments, non-profits and the private sector are building a family friendly Vancouver, Jillian Glover spotlights the challenges facing...Read more
The child as an indicator species for cities: reflections on Philadelphia
13-years ago, the British writer and researcher Tim Gill coined the term ‘battery-reared children’ to warn of the impact of poor spatial planning on modern childhoods. He has often spoken since of the need to see...Read more