Inner-city children reveal fears about drug abuse and family conflict in Yarra Council report

MANY people like the inner-city lifestyle, but a new survey reveals drug abuse, used syringes and rubbish in public areas have been nominated as safety concerns for children and parents.

DRUG abuse, used syringes and rubbish in public areas have been nominated as safety concerns for inner-city children and parents.

The City of Yarra, which ­includes Richmond and Collingwood, conducted the survey following concern about lagging childhood development in the municipality.

An earlier survey in 2015 had found issues for children of binge drinking and a prevalence of peer and family risk factors known to predict substance abuse. It had also noted high levels of family conflict and parental attitudes favourable to anti-social behaviour.

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Drug abuse, used syringes and rubbish in public areas have been nominated as safety concerns for inner-city children and parents. Picture: Alex Coppel

The surveys were in a report before Yarra councillors this week as they considered a draft plan for young citizens.

The council’s aim is to ensure children can “thrive, be safe and empowered” and that their views are listened to and respected.

The plan used a framework developed by the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth which analyses what young people need to have a good life.

Boroondara, Moonee Valley and Moreland councils have also used it.

City of Yarra consulted nearly 700 people in 2017-18, with families and young people agreeing that multiculturalism and ­diversity in the municipality contributed to making it a good place to live.

“Parents, children and young people told us that many of their concerns ­focused on feeling unsafe due to anti-social behaviours largely related to substance abuse and exposure to environments that feel unsafe,” the draft plan observed.

Melbourne City council has flagged plans to set up a special forum later this year to involve children in council decision-making.

“Rubbish and litter in the public domain and the risk of coming into contact with syringes that have not been disposed of safely contribute towards that feeling.”

Meanwhile, Melbourne City council has flagged plans to set up a special forum later this year to involve children in council decision-making.

The council’s “people city” portfolio chair Beverley Pinder said: “The forum will help us understand how children can be consulted and contribute to council goals, services, events and activities.

“The forum also helps meet our obligations under the child safe standards to promote the participation and empowerment of all children.”

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