Why are you allowed to go to school on your own? Exploring children's voices on independent mobility

This study aims to analyse 1002 children's and adolescent's reasons for going to school alone or accompanied and to explore how parents influence their choice. The findings revealed that children who could go to school alone feel that their parents trust them more. Moreover, children who live close to school are more likely to commute autonomously and those who do so feel their environment is safer. Finally, there are significant gender differences in autonomous travel to school, largely due to parental influence. In conclusion, there is a real need to work with children and families to develop targeted interventions to support the normalisation of children's autonomous walking and to address the fears of parents.

Automated summary

This study analyzed the reasons why 1002 children and adolescents go to school alone or accompanied, and explored the influence of parents on their choice. The findings suggest that children who can go to school alone feel more trusted by their parents. Additionally, children who live close to school are more likely to commute autonomously and perceive a safer environment. Gender differences in autonomous travel to school were found to be significant, mainly due to parental influence. In conclusion, targeted interventions should be developed to support children's autonomous walking and address parents' concerns.