Towards a matrix of rights to public space for children and young people in Australia

Abstract

Tensions frequently occur when people and young people seek to make use of a multitude of public spaces (Loader 1996; Brown 1998; White 1999; valentine 2004; Whie and wyn 2008). In Australia over a number of years, various strategies have been adopted by local councils, police and other stakeholders such as business groups, to respond to such tensions. Rarely, if ever, are children and young people involved in meaningful ways in the design and control of public space that reflects their needs and aspirations (white 1999;; Freeman and riordan 2002; Freeman 2006).
Deploying the prisms of urban planning and law and order to deal with perceived public space issues impacts adversely on children and young people, contributing to their partial or complete removal from public space (Harris 2006; Waiton 2001).
The provisional matrix presented here draws on existing material advocating child rights, extending these rights to unclude young people, as there are few frameworks of rights that are tryly inclusive of young people (Skelton 2007).