COVID funding pries open a door to improving air quality in US schools
Many U.S. schools were in dire need of upgrades – burdened by leaking pipes, mold, and antiquated heating systems – long before the COVID-19 pandemic drew attention to the importance of indoor ventilation in reducing...Read more
Six ways to design safer school zones: lessons from Mumbai
As education is the right of every child, so is safe access to schools. As schools in India reopen after nearly two years of online education, it is important to reexamine how children access schools....Read more
Indian city opens the country’s first ‘sensory park’ for children
The Indian city of Bhubaneswar is now home to what is thought to be the country’s first sensory park for children with special needs.Read more
Growing up in a city can harm your spatial skills – new research
The science fiction film Tron Legacy opens with voice of main character, Kevin Flynn, musing of a digital world of his creating: The Grid.Read more
How toddlers in Japanese cities are encouraged to roam independently
Young Japanese children portrayed in a TV show walking the city alone as they do chores shines a light on how the country’s young children are encouraged to be more independent than many of their...Read more
Urban95 ‘phase two’ up and running in Pune
The Indian city of Pune is rolling out the next part of the acclaimed Urban95 programme that looks at cities’ infrastructures through the eyes of a young child.Read more
Sponge parks and vertical gardens – how cities are using nature to overcome extreme weather
In January 2021, Storm Christoph pummelled the United Kingdom with heavy rains and the threat of unmanageable runoff. But in flood-prone Manchester, a newly-developed park was proving its worth. West Gorton Park had ‘drunk’ the rainwater,...Read more
Canadian city asks residents to shape its ‘family-friendly’ housing plans
The Canadian city of Hamilton hopes that public feedback will be the key driver in its future plans for delivering housing that truly meets the needs of children and their families.Read more
More parks and waterways in cities could prevent premature deaths, study finds
For city dwellers, having access to green space is generally touted as a guardian of good health. Research shows that spending time in parks and urban woodlands, green streets and gardens contributes to fewer mental-health...Read more
Playing outside: who, where and what?
Fortunately, more and more attention is being paid to a play-friendly public space in both research and policy. Yet there is still little insight into very basic questions. For example, do boys play more outside than...Read more
Planning and designing child-friendly living spaces – lessons from Switzerland
A series of important ‘child-friendly living spaces’ resources aimed at professionals, produced by UNICEF Switzerland and Liechtenstein, are now available in English.Read more
Child-inspired design of new Urban 95 playgrounds in refugee shelters
The Bernard van Leer Foundation has opened three new playspaces that are incorporated within child and family-focused refugee shelters in the Brazilian city of Boa Vista.Read more
Australia putting children and young people at the heart of city design
Australian children will be given a voice in the design of cities under an innovative partnership launched by UNICEF Australia and the Bupa Foundation.Read more
Child Friendly Cities Inspire awards are celebration of global excellence
Six of the world’s most child-friendly cities have been rewarded for their innovation in a prestigious awards ceremony celebrating urban creativity for the benefit of young people.Read more