The team said the findings highlighted the need to better understand aspects of urban design, such as access to green space.
Child development in urban spaces. (iStock)
Air and noise pollution, overcrowding, and limited green space are some of the key areas of environmental exposure in early life that can impact development, new research has found.
The study, led by the University of Technology Sydney, Australia, analysed 235 research articles from across 41 countries and highlighted such key aspects of environmental exposure in childhood influencing growth.
The first 2,000 days of life (0-5 years) are recognised as a critical period impacting physical, cognitive, social, and emotional health outcomes in later life.
Other exposure factors crucial to child development include atmosphere, chemical, and metal exposure, neighbourhood-built features, community support, and residential living environment, the researchers said in their study published in the journal Public Health Research and Practice.
The findings help understand the health risks of urban living, which can further inform the design and planning of urban environments to improve these outcomes, as it is expected that by 2030, more than 60 percent of the world’s population will live in urban areas, the team said.
“Urban planners and policymakers need to recognise the role that everyday urban environments provide as a foundation for health and wellbeing,” said lead researcher Erica McIntyre from the Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney.
One of the concerns around urban living that the study investigated the most was air pollution.
The researchers found that exposure to pollutants like particulate matter and toxins emitted from vehicles and industry can have long-term consequences on neurological development, in addition to leading to respiratory problems such as asthma.
They also found that lack of access to parks, gardens, and natural surroundings can deprive young children of crucial sensory experiences and opportunities for exploration, thus impacting physical and cognitive development.
The team said that the findings highlighted the need to better understand aspects of urban design, such as access to green space, that can promote mental health, given that these issues are increasing in prevalence in children and teenagers.
“Incorporating child-friendly designs, advocating for more green spaces, noise and pollution-reduction measures, and walkable neighbourhoods that encourage physical activity are just some of the measures that help create environments conducive to healthy child development,” said McIntyre.
Further, the fast-paced nature of city life often leaves parents and carers feeling disconnected and overwhelmed, lacking the vital support networks crucial for healthy infant development. Thus, the families face challenges such as social isolation and limited community support, the researchers said.
“Programmes providing parenting classes, playgroups, and community centres can foster connections and support networks crucial for navigating the challenges of parenting,” said McIntyre.
She also emphasised the need for further research, policy advocacy, and community involvement to address the challenges of raising children in urban settings.
(Disclaimer: The headline, subheads, and intro of this report along with the photos may have been reworked by South First. The rest of the content is from a syndicated feed, and has been edited for style.)
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