A new breed of `vertical-living kids' who hardly venture out has evolved in OZ. This is happening because of the rising population density of Australia's cities. A study that was done in Melbourne has noted that children living in tower blocks had little interaction with the outside world. The problem rose in the past 30 years. University of Melbourne Associate Professor Carolyn Whitzman has warned that it affected a child's social development as well as their overall health.

Dr Whitzman said, "Being able to go to school, friend's houses, parks and shops on their own is vital to kids' physical and emotional development, their sense of citizenship (and) of being a valued part of a community." About 40 children who were eight to 12 years old, and their families, who lived in either private residential or public housing tower blocks across Melbourne, were put under a study.

On an average, the children went outside their apartment just under twice every day. Children living in private residential towers were the least likely to go outside all by themselves. Dr Whitzman said, "Almost two thirds of the journeys taken by children living in public high-rise housing were on their own or with other children." Children who lived in public housing stayed more within their immediate community when they stepped outside. The study stated that they were not happy with local playgrounds. On the other hand, children who lived in privately owned apartments used public transport more often and they went to a broader city area.

"There are a growing number of vertical-living kids," Dr Whitzman said.