Det Här Tycker Vi Om! Sexåringar fotograferar, ritar och berättar om sin stadsdel

As set forth in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, children have the right to participate in the issues that concern them and have their opinions and perspectives respected.

A child’s immediate surroundings is an excellent example. Children are directly affected by their immediate surroundings – by the people as well as nature and buildings. How a city and residential area is planned has a direct impact on how the rights of the child, as set forth by the UN CRC, are realized. Therefore, there is a natural place for a child and youth perspective in city planning.

This study is a part of a greater study in Jordbo, Sweden, that examined children’s influence and participation in city planning. The study included all children in grades 6 to 8 and resulted in a map of the city that showed the children’s experiences and feelings. This publication details the process of involving children in leading their own exploration of their immediate surroundings.