Providing lots of healthy activities in common areas at high-rises can help children better spend their time and reduce risks of accidents. — Filepic
ENSURING adequate play space could help curb the alarming increase in the number of children falling from balconies and windows at strata residences.
This may include building and upgrading playgrounds, as well as organising community programmes for children to release pent-up energy.
A 2021 article in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health highlighted that children living in high-density urban housing with limited access to outdoor areas are more likely to engage in unsafe play behaviours.
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To promote safe physical activities among children, it suggested having playgrounds within walking distance of residences.
Richard Kishore Joseph, the international travel and learning coordinator for Malaysia-based Dignity for Children Foundation, said many children living in high-rises, especially those at public housing flats, often lacked space and activities to fill their free time.
Richard says authorities here should emulate South Korea by encouraging developers to ensure their projects are children-friendly.
“When children don’t have access to play spaces, they will treat balconies, corridors and stairwells as their playground.
“So why are we shocked when tragedy strikes,” he said, when asked to comment on recent cases of children falling to their deaths from strata residences.
Richard added that Malaysian authorities could emulate South Korea by encouraging developers to ensure their projects are children-friendly.
“In Seoul, for instance, there’s a push towards child-friendly cities where urban planning includes play zones within walking distance of every housing area.
“Local councils can provide further support by sending mobile toy libraries to selected neighbourhoods,” he added.
More children are growing up at high-rises and low-cost flats as land becomes scarcer, especially in urban areas. — Filepic
Echoing similar sentiments, mother of two V. Naidu, 46, said children needed outdoor exposure every now and then.
“Those living in high-rises may feel cooped up and balconies are the only place they get to enjoy fresh air,” she said.
Mother of three Siti Sabariah Hamid, 41, said raising her children in her two-bedroom flats meant there was limited space.
“I have to let them play in the corridors.
“The government should consider requiring developers to provide a certain minimum floor space when building their projects,” she said. — By FARID WAHAB
