Kids just want to have fun shows survey

By REBECCA WALSH

New Zealand children and teenagers want more to do in their spare time - from playgrounds to leisure centres.

Children and young people were asked their views on living in New Zealand as part of developing the Ministry of Justice's Agenda for Children.

A discussion paper asked them to say what was good about living here, what wasn't so good and what would make life better.

The paper, which represents the views of 7500 children and young people up to the age of 18, found they liked to play, do sports and have fun without adult responsibilities.

"You can live without the worries and responsibilities of an adult. You can enjoy and learn and develop healthily and easily," a 15-year-old girl said.

They also liked living in a country that was relatively safe and peaceful, clean, green and uncrowded, and where most people had the necessities of life.

Most had families who loved and took care of them, and had good schools and friends.

"School gives you good reading and stuff. 'Cause if you can't read you can't learn to drive a car and you can't be a schoolteacher and you won't be able to read the signs on the road," a 16-year-old boy said.

A 10-year-old girl said learning was important because "if we have a good education some of us could be the next Prime Minister or vet or famous author".

But they did not like being told what to do all the time - what to eat, what to wear and when they had to be home.

They said there was too much bullying in schools and playgrounds and too much violence in society, especially against children.

Some commented that there was too much pressure to fit in and be part of a group.

" ... there isn't as much encouragement to be different, individual or even academic. There should be less focus on sporting achievement and more focus on academic achievement," a 12-year-old boy said.

Asked what would make life better, children and young people wanted more things to do.

They suggested parks and playgrounds, swimming pools and more places for young teenagers to go.

They also wanted more activities that were free or cheap.

A small number wanted improvements to schools, such as smaller classes and more exciting lessons.

Others wanted adults to address crime in society as well as the abuse of children. They wanted more protection for children, including patrols in areas where children and young people spend their leisure time.

Young people wanted to be given more responsibility, trust and respect.

A 15-year-old girl said: "Tell adults to give us a chance. We are not all bad and you have to make a few mistakes some time in your life, otherwise you won't learn."