Risk versus fun: Perspectives of children and their parents on active school commuting in regional Australia and strategies on promotion

Introduction

This study explores the perspectives of parents and primary schoolchildren on active school commuting (ASC) in northwest Tasmania, Australia and highlights the unique challenges and opportunities of promoting ASC in regional settings.

Methods

Using a constructivist framework and reflexive thematic analysis, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 11 parents and 13 children to capture their experiences with both active and passive commuting.

Results

Deciding between active and passive mode of school commuting involves a balance between perceived risks and benefits. Parents prioritised safety and logistical considerations, often adopting risk-averse attitudes due to concerns about traffic, crime, and adverse weather. These issues, coupled with long commuting distances, time constraints, hilly terrain, and limited transport options, made driving the default choice. In contrast, children valued the enjoyment, independence, and environmental interactions offered by ASC and expressed confidence in navigating the journey. Parents were open to ASC if infrastructure improvements, such as safer pathways and crossing guards, and earlier school opening hours were implemented. Hybrid commuting approaches like “drive part-way, walk part-way,” combined with walking school bus programs, were identified as promising solutions to address safety concerns and logistical barriers. Children's enthusiasm for ASC provides an opportunity to shift parental perceptions and promote ASC as a positive, enriching experience.

Conclusions

Our study has highlighted several challenges and opportunities for ASC promotion in a regional setting and the need for context-specific interventions. Future research should involve local stakeholders and explore co-designed interventions tailored to regional barriers and contexts.