“I let him go because I wanted him to have independence”: How parents and adolescents negotiate using public transport

Abstract

This paper explores the perspectives of parents and adolescents in Melbourne, Australia, regarding the use of public transport by adolescents. The primary goals are to study how parental views influence their adolescents’ use of public transport, as well as how adolescents build confidence to navigate using public transport at different destinations. A qualitative research approach was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with 20 parents and 10 of their adolescents aged 11–17. The findings show that parental concerns about safety, particularly harassment and unpredictable conduct from strangers, greatly impact their decisions to allow their adolescents to take public transport. However, parents realise the developmental benefits of granting independence and fostering life skills through public transport use. Adolescents, on the other hand, were far less concerned about personal safety and far more concerned about navigation and ticketing. They expressed a desire for autonomy and freedom while acknowledging challenges such as navigating unfamiliar routes. Additionally, the presence of siblings or friends enhances their experiences and influences parental decisions. Highlighting these concerns provides valuable insights for creating an inclusive, safe, and supportive public transport system. Further research is needed to understand the impact of parental and child anxieties on actual rates of independent mobility by adolescents.

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