This report by Demos and Green Alliance has found that fear of traffic is a major barrier limiting children's interaction with the natural environment. A Child's Place argues that `children’s well-being and environmental issues are inextricably linked', and fear is a major factor restricting children's ability to play outdoors. The researchers gained a detailed knowledge of the way children relate to their environment through a series of interviews and field trips led by the children themselves. What emerged was a picture of children who are frightened by many things adults take in their stride, ranging from car traffic to news bulletins about terrorism. The report argues that fear of their own environment means that children are much less likely to connect with wider ‘green’ environmental problems. Policy-makers should use practical steps towards improving children’s environments as a way of increasing their understanding of green issues. (Author/publisher)
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