The report found parents are more worried about their children's safetythan ever before, their concerns fuelled by media coverage of childabduction cases and gang violence. It said the Government is trying tomanage all risk through regulation, which is unfeasible and unwise, andthat children are more likely to contract a serious illness than beabducted or injured in a traffic accident.
The study, Risk and Childhood, published last week by the Royal Societyfor the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA) for itsRisk Commission project, concluded that a lack of balance betweenchallenge and risk could affect the economy, by stifling creativity andskills associated with entrepreneurialism.
It recommended removing the fear of litigation for those taking pupilson school trips and reducing speed limits in urban areas. It also saidmore male role models are needed, as children tend to engage in morephysical and risky activities when supervised by men than by women.
Co-author Dr Nicola Madge said, 'It's a real dilemma for parents - theyare bombarded with terrible stories of child abductions and accidents,yet they have to let their children be independent and grow up.Over-protected children don't have a chance to experiment or beadventurous. In our litigation society, we are always looking forsomeone to blame, and people do not want the responsibility or thepotential vilification.'
The report follows warnings by play expert Tim Gill that childcareprofessionals must allow children more freedom to promote theirresilience (News, 1 November).
Further information: www.rsariskcommission.org.uk.