Village Voice News - National - Many NSW children being mollycoddled

A new generation of NSW children is being mollycoddled by their fearful parents, with many children reporting they can no longer ride their bikes.

NSW Commissioner for Children and Young People Gillian Calvert warned that fears over traffic and stranger danger have meant children are missing out on basic life skills and simple pleasures.

"Over the past 10 years we have seen a real reduction in the range at which children can leave their family home and move freely," Ms Calvert told News Limited.

"Kids tell us they can't ride their bikes around streets anymore."

Basic skills such as climbing trees, bike riding and crossing the road are in danger of being lost.

Doctors at the NSW Commission of Children and Young People and University of NSW conference reported that rates of anxiety disorders are on the rise among children whose freedom is restricted.

Sports Medicine Unit director Dr Carolyn Broderick said fundamental motor skills were developed through play, as well as balance, co-ordination and strength.

"Children now have a fear that wasn't there in the past," she said.

The research showed a significant reduction in free playtime among children, Dr Broderick said.

She said a quarter of parents were actually discouraging their children from playing sport because they were worried about injury.