Children who grow up in positive, stimulating neighbourhood environments experience good foundations for their social emotional development and mental health.
For many Australian cities, affordable housing shortages in established neighbourhoods have pushed families into suburbs on the urban fringe. These fast-growing suburbs are typically low density, less walkable, and may not have access to essential services and infrastructure. How this affects the opportunity and wellbeing of children and families is not well known.
This is because we don’t know which features in neighbourhoods are most important for young children. Why? Because no one has asked them. Our recent child health and built environment policy review found NO evidence of any child input into any policy development at a state or federal level.
It is also unknown how neighbourhood features contribute to equitable mental health outcomes for young children, across urban growth and disadvantaged areas.
Understanding how children experience their environment and what is important to them is critical for creating urban environments that enable positive experiences for children. This aligns with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child which states children’s views should be considered in decisions affecting their wellbeing.
This project is the first of its kind in WA. It uses participatory research methods (go-along interviews and Participatory GIS [PPGIS] mapping) to deeply understand the relationships children have with their neighbourhood, and how this impacts their mental health. We work with young children and their caregivers to identify what works to improve mental health for families living in urban growth areas in Perth and surrounds, especially those experiencing hardship.
Research dissemination will ensure children's voices are included in urban planning decisions to ensure they have the opportunity and resources to become local advocates for equitable, healthy, urban environments.
Chief Investigators
Professor Hayley Christian, The Kids Research Institute
Dr Karen Villanueva, Murdoch Children's Research Institute
Dr Melanie Lowe, RMIT
Professor Sally Brinkman, University of Adelaide
Associate Professor Bryan Boruff, The University of Western Australia
Professor Jasper Schipperijn, University of Southern Denmark
Research Assistant
Kiralee Paine, The Kids Research Institute Australia
Funders
Heathway
Administering institution
The Kids Research Institute Australia – The University of Western Australia
External collaborators
Project Partners
- Anglicare WA
- Western Australian Local Government Association
- National Growth Areas Alliance
- WA Planning Commission
- WA Department of Transport
- WA Children’s Commissioner
- Nature Play WA