Fear is not only a problem for the adults. Children need limits and boundaries.

There was a study (video taped) of a playground in a busy urban area. There were fences around the the playground and the children played all over the yard up to where the fence protected them from the surrounding traffic.

When the fences were taken down the children all clustered to the centre of the yard. That was a recordable effect - fear of no boundaries.

Kids are not stupid. They may not be able to verbalise the fear, but will react to it and externalise it. If children grow up in an environment of no fences (adults who discipline them and who say no them), they grow up with fear.

Fear is the driving force behind bullying and acting out behaviour.