Fear in everyday life: Where children feel unsafe in our city!

Fear in everyday life: Where children feel unsafe in our city!

In recent weeks, the debate about the cityscape in Cologne has gained momentum, especially about places that cause a feeling of discomfort and insecurity for many people, especially children and young people. The focus is on areas such as dark parks, poorly lit underpasses and squares that are often frequented by aggressive groups. The perception of fear spaces, i.e. urban spaces that trigger uncertainty, varies greatly, especially among younger people. These aspects are illuminated TV Middle Rhine.

The emotional security of children is crucial, emphasizes Klaus Peter Lohest, the state chairman of the Child Protection Association. Children feel fear in places where they feel like they are being watched or threatened - and not just where there are objective dangers. Abandoned playgrounds or confusing places can quickly become areas of fear if children have had negative experiences there, be it through bullying or threats. These experiences can significantly influence the perception of a space.

The multitude of fear spaces

Fear spaces are not just limited to specific places. They arise in a wide variety of social and structural contexts. Factors such as lighting and visibility play an important role when planning public spaces. A survey shows that 42% of women and 29% of men say they feel unsafe in public spaces. This uncertainty can have far-reaching consequences: it often leads to avoidance behavior, such as avoiding certain routes or using public transport. This limits those affected in their mobility and participation in public life, which is loud Urban psychology is worrying.

An important aspect that children and young people should bring into urban planning is their gut feeling: they should learn to seek help if they feel unwell. Parents, teachers and specialists are called upon to have open conversations and listen to children so that their fears are taken seriously. The demands of everyday school life, such as bullying or pressure to perform, can also lead to schools becoming a place of fear. That's why it's important to create a welcoming atmosphere to provide children with a safe learning environment.

Measures to improve safety and well-being

The design of cities can make a decisive contribution to improving the feeling of security. Effective measures include good lighting and clear visibility when planning new or renovated facilities. Concepts such as the “15-minute city”, which promotes short distances for daily errands, consist of a mixture of living, working and leisure time. This increases the quality of life and vibrant public spaces create a feeling of security, as well Urban psychology explained.

In summary, the challenges surrounding fear spaces are complex and require collective action. Child-friendly urban planning that takes seriously the needs of those who will shape the future is obvious. Despite the various approaches, dialogue with those affected and taking their fears seriously remains an indispensable part of finding solutions.