Because of Being At Home With Children

Family Matters No.43 Autumn 1996 sense that they can manage and cope positively in the world around them. Of course, at the same time as we might wish to encourage a sense of independence and control in children we must not unduly endanger them. A balance needs to be achieved, and a generally safe environment created. Creating a safe public transport system is one component of increasing a sense of safety. Given that in some states at least the level of staffing on trains, stations and trams has declined since these data were collected, it would be instructive to know whether concerns about safety on public transport have increased. Transport planning initiatives should take into account the level of concern that parents have for the safety of their children. An environment in which parental fears are allayed will contribute in an important way to the living standards of Australian parents and their children. Central to achieving a proper balance between confinement and independence in our children is an accurate and responsible assessment of the level of dangers that exist for children in our society. Certainly there are dangers of attack by strangers, but these need to be kept in proper perspective. In trying to protect our children we must at the same time guard against undermining their capacity to become competent, coping adults.