Kids voice fears about worsening air quality around schools

Over two-fifths of children are worried about air pollution near their school, a new UK-wide survey reveals. Some 43% of children living in urban areas are concerned about the levels of air pollution near their school.

The YouGov poll, carried out for walking and cycling charity Sustrans, surveyed over 1,000 children aged six to 15 years old last month about their attitudes towards air pollution and the actions they think should be taken to help clean up the air. 

More than one in three (38%) of those surveyed think that encouraging more people to cycle, scoot or walk to school is the best way to help to reduce levels of air pollution, while a further 16% feel that reducing the number of journeys taken by car would play the greatest role.

The survey also revealed that:

• The number of children concerned about air pollution rose to more than half (53%) in London;

• More than one in three (34%) think that politicians are most responsible for bringing down levels of air pollution, while over a quarter (29%) believed drivers are most accountable;

• 34% said having a shorter distance to travel would most encourage them to walk, cycle or scoot to school, followed by fewer cars on the road (12%) and separated from traffic cycling routes (11%);

• More than half (57%) of the children surveyed said they were told about air pollution by their school.

Children are among the most vulnerable to air pollution, with more than 2,000 schools and nurseries in the UK near to roads with damaging levels of motor emissions.

Sustrans is calling on the government and local authorities to invest in cycling and walking infrastructure and further training and engagement programmes, which will enable more young people to travel actively to school every day.

Xavier Brice, Sustrans’ CEO, says: “We’re in the midst of an air quality crisis. This survey demonstrates for the first time that children are aware and concerned about poor air quality. We wanted to hear their views on the matter, as they are some of the most susceptible to the adverse effects of air pollution, which can lead to poor lung and brain development and asthma if exposed for long periods of time at a young age.

“More needs to be done to improve air quality near schools and help protect future generations. One of the best ways to do this, is by reducing the number of journeys taken by car each day in favour of walking, cycling or scooting the school run. 

“The UK government needs to show leadership by helping local authorities fund and deliver better cycling and walking infrastructure so that every child is able to travel on foot or by bike to school in safety and with confidence. Failure to act now on high levels of air pollution has the potential to have a detrimental impact on children’s health.”

The survey has been released to launch Sustran’s Big Pedal 2018, a schools competition to encourage more young people to cycle, walk and scoot to school. Held annually, Sustrans expects this year’s event to encourage more than half a million children and young people get on their bikes and scooters for their journeys to and from school. 

World record-breaking cyclist Mark Beaumont launched the Big Pedal at Torkington Primary School in Greater Manchester (pictured above). He says: “We need to encourage more children and parents to walk, scoot or cycle to school by shouting about the benefits of travelling actively for shorter journeys. Fewer cars around school gates will play a significant role in reducing congestion and improving the quality of the air we breathe. Events like the Big Pedal can demonstrate to children, parents and teachers just how easy it can be to travel actively to and from school.” 

Alison Cook, director of policy at the British Lung Foundation, adds: “Air pollution is a danger to everyone’s health and children are among those most vulnerable as their lungs are still developing. Childhood is a time for learning and playing, not worrying. It’s sad to see that so many children are concerned about the air they breathe. To help cut emissions, the Government must provide incentives for walking, cycling and using public transport as part of a comprehensive Clean Air Act.”