2024-11-19 00:11:00
A classroom in a college in 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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What are the long-term effects of food deprivation on children’s physical and mental health?
**Interview with Dr. Claire Moreau, Child Welfare Expert at UNICEF France**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Moreau, to discuss the alarming findings from UNICEF’s recent consultation regarding the material and social deprivations faced by children in France.
**Dr. Moreau:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we address these findings and their implications for our younger generations.
**Editor:** The report indicates that one in five children in France do not eat three meals a day. How severe is this issue in the context of child welfare?
**Dr. Moreau:** It’s a significant concern. Access to sufficient food is fundamental to a child’s well-being, growth, and development. When a large percentage of children are skipping meals, it can lead to both physical and psychological issues that may affect their health, education, and overall quality of life.
**Editor:** Additionally, the report mentions that over 25% of children have experienced physical violence from their peers. What does this reveal about the social environment for young people today?
**Dr. Moreau:** This statistic underscores a disturbing trend of bullying and physical violence in schools. It paints a picture of a social environment where many children feel unsafe and isolated, which can have lasting impacts on their mental health and social development. We must advocate for safe educational environments and effective anti-bullying measures.
**Editor:** The findings also address a broader “protection gap.” Could you explain what that means?
**Dr. Moreau:** The “protection gap” refers to the lack of support and resources for children who experience multiple forms of deprivation simultaneously. This often results in feelings of exclusion and marginalization. These children are not necessarily living in absolute poverty, but the cumulative effects of their experiences can lead to significant emotional and social challenges.
**Editor:** UNICEF has announced the creation of a child rights observatory in response to these findings. What will its primary focus be?
**Dr. Moreau:** The observatory will aim to monitor and evaluate the rights and conditions of children in France. It will gather data, advocate for policy changes, and work with local communities to ensure that every child has access to basic necessities, a safe environment, and opportunities for social interaction and learning.
**Editor:** Lastly, as we approach International Children’s Rights Day, what message would you like to convey to parents and policymakers?
**Dr. Moreau:** I urge parents to be aware of their children’s needs and to foster open communication about their experiences and feelings. For policymakers, it’s essential to prioritize child welfare in all decision-making processes. Investing in our children’s futures is investing in the future of our society.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Moreau, for your insights on these critical issues affecting the younger generations in France.
**Dr. Moreau:** Thank you. It’s vital that we keep these conversations going to ensure our children receive the support they need.