2024-11-19 00:11:00
A classroom in a college in France: PSG resumes training in dispersed order before the match against Vannes”>Lorient (Morbihan), in September 2024. LOIC VENANCE / AFP
Unicef alert on the material and social deprivations of younger generations in France. One in five children do not eat three meals a day in France and more than one in four have suffered physical violence from other children, according to the results of a consultation carried out among 20,000 young people aged 6 to 18 years old by the UN agency, which announces the creation of a child rights observatory.
According to this consultation, the results of which were published Tuesday, November 19 on the eve of International Children’s Rights Day, 16.2% of children and adolescents surveyed say they experience material deprivation and 25.7% have access difficulties. to knowledge.
In detail, 22.8% of the children surveyed eat less than three meals a day, 11.9% only eat meat, fish or an egg (or the protein equivalent) once a week (or less often). ). And 11% eat fruits and vegetables only once a week (or less often).
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“Protection gap”
Some 7.3% say they never spend time with friends outside of home and school, 10.9% can’t have a party for their birthday or other event, and 7.1% say they never spend time with friends outside of home and school. can never invite friends to where they live.
“These deprivations, often cumulative, generate a deep feeling of exclusion among these children and adolescents, who feel constrained by a deviation from the norm, without necessarily being plunged into absolute distress”notes the UN organization.
Another point noted by Unicef, the “protection gap” with 31.3% of young participants confiding that they have already suffered insults, hurtful teasing, or verbal violence, whether from other children or adults.
Act “urgently”
More than one in four children have suffered physical violence from other children or adolescents (30%) and more than one in ten children are affected by violence committed by adults (13.1%).
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In total, 30.6% of young people over 13 years old surveyed indicate that they have already thought about suicide, and 6.2% confide that they have had sexual intercourse when they did not want to, specifies Unicef.
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In this context, Unicef urges the government to act “urgently to protect the rights of children and guarantee their development in a fairer society”.
At the same time, the organization announces the creation of a child rights observatory, a digital platform centralizing “reliable statistics” on this issue, in order to enable the development of public policies “more effective” towards the youngest.
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How can community initiatives effectively combat the issues of social exclusion and violence experienced by children?
**Interview with Dr. Claire Moreau, Child Psychologist and UNICEF Consultant**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Moreau. UNICEF recently published alarming statistics indicating that one in five children in France are not eating three meals a day. What are the implications of these findings for the well-being of children?
**Dr. Moreau:** Thank you for having me. These statistics are indeed concerning. A lack of proper nutrition not only affects physical health but can also have long-term implications on cognitive development, emotional well-being, and overall life opportunities. When children are deprived of essential nutrients, their ability to learn and thrive is compromised, which can perpetuate cycles of poverty and disadvantage.
**Interviewer:** The report also mentions that over 25% of children have experienced physical violence from their peers. How does this kind of violence affect a child’s mental health?
**Dr. Moreau:** Experiencing or witnessing violence can have profound psychological effects. It can lead to anxiety, depression, and issues with self-esteem. Many children internalize these experiences, feeling isolated and trapped. This psychological burden can manifest in various ways, such as difficulty forming relationships, academic struggles, and behavioral issues.
**Interviewer:** UNICEF is advocating for a child rights observatory in light of these findings. How do you think this initiative can help improve the situation?
**Dr. Moreau:** Establishing a child rights observatory can be a vital step in identifying and addressing these issues. It would provide a structured way to monitor the well-being of children, identify gaps in support, and hold institutions accountable for children’s rights. Continuous assessment and advocacy can lead to better policies and resource allocation to support vulnerable youth.
**Interviewer:** The report also highlights social exclusion, with many children rarely spending time with friends. What does social deprivation look like in a child’s life?
**Dr. Moreau:** Social interaction is critical for children’s development. When children are socially isolated, it stunts their social skills and emotional resilience. They may struggle with feelings of loneliness and exclusion, which exacerbates their sense of deprivation from what is considered normal childhood experiences. Creating opportunities for socialization is essential for fostering healthy relationships and emotional well-being.
**Interviewer:** What steps can communities take to address these challenges?
**Dr. Moreau:** Communities can play a pivotal role by increasing access to nutritional programs, safe places for children to gather, and support services for families in need. Schools can also implement social-emotional learning programs to foster inclusivity and resilience among students. Importantly, we need to raise awareness and advocate collectively for policies that address these material and social deprivations.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Moreau, for sharing your insights on this pressing issue. It’s clear that action is needed to ensure a better future for our children.
**Dr. Moreau:** Thank you for highlighting these important issues. Only through collective awareness and action can we hope to create a supportive environment for all children in France and beyond.
