BACKGROUND: Children are more vulnerable than adults to environmental risks. Also, children have little control over their environment. Unlike adults, they may be both unaware of risks and unable to make choices to protect their health. Children living in especially vulnerable areas might be even more at risk due to socioeconomic factors, immigration, and high crime rates. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe the perceptions that schoolchildren from a socially vulnerable area have of safe environments.

METHODS: 52 nine-year-old schoolchildren from a socially vulnerable area participated in this study. The data collection consisted of an environmental walk with photovoicing, followed by rating of the photos, and a focus-group discussion elaborating on the photos and ratings. Six focus groups, with 6-8 children in each group, were conducted and analyzed using an inductive content analysis.

RESULTS: The results show that, according to the children, places that they think are bright and beautiful, where they can do fun things with others and do not risk being exposed to danger, create safety. To increase safety, the children suggested cleaning up, making the environment beautiful with grass and flowers, and painting it in nice colours. Furthermore, they suggested that building features that increase the opportunities to play and engage in activities together with others, would improve safety and enhance protection and surveillance.

CONCLUSIONS: All children have the right to protection and safety. Therefore, it is important to create safe environments for all children by listening to children's own voices.