Children and Planning - A Recent Norwegian Reform to Improve the Physical Environment of Children and Adolescents

Hanne Wilhjelm

Citation: Wilhjelm, Hanne. (1995). “Children and Planning- A Recent Norwegian Reform to Improve the Physical Environment of Children and Adolescents.” Children’s Environments 12(4): 49-65. Retrieved [date] from http://www.colorado.edu/journals/cye/

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Abstract

In 1989, the Norwegian Government adopted a reform that was intended to safeguard the interests of children and adolescents when planning the physical environment. Amendments to the Planning and Building Act, including the requirement that each municipality appoint a person to look after the interests of children and adolescents during public planning, and the national policy guidelines, have both helped to draw attention to the needs and rights of children and adolescents as regards the physical environment. One reason for the reform was an increasing recognition of a deteriorating situation for children and young people. Other reasons probably included more women in the administration and in politics and not least the work of the Commissioner for Children. Experience so far has shown that the success of the reform depends on good advice and motivated recipients at the local municipal level. Whether or not the guidelines are used and the work of the children's representative, both depend on political will and concern for children's physical environment, at both the central and local level. At this point in time, no change in will can be found within the “weighty” sectors of society, for example in the transport and communications sector.

Keywords: children and adolescents' physical environment, planning guidelines for children, children and planning, children and environmental policy.