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 local communities contribute to improving the well-being of children facing deprivation?
**Interview with Dr. Emilie Laurent, Child Welfare Advocate at UNICEF France**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Laurent. The recent UNICEF report highlights alarming statistics about child deprivation in France. Can you elaborate on the main findings?
**Dr. Laurent:** Thank you for having me. Indeed, the findings are concerning. The report shows that one in five children in France do not have access to three meals a day. This indicates a significant level of food insecurity among younger generations, which is alarming for a country like France. Additionally, over 25% of the children surveyed reported experiencing physical violence from their peers.
**Editor:** Those numbers are quite shocking. What do you think this means for the well-being of these children?
**Dr. Laurent:** These figures reflect a critical “protection gap” for many children. When young people face material and social deprivation, it can lead to feelings of exclusion and isolation. Over time, this may affect their mental health, educational outcomes, and overall quality of life. It’s crucial that we recognize these issues are not just statistics; they represent real-life struggles that can have lasting impacts on these children.
**Editor:** In response to this report, UNICEF is launching a child rights observatory. What is the goal of this initiative?
**Dr. Laurent:** The child rights observatory aims to monitor and address the various challenges faced by children in France. This includes understanding their needs better, advocating for their rights, and pushing for policy changes that can improve their living conditions. We want to ensure that every child has access to basic necessities, like food and education, and that they feel safe and supported in their communities.
**Editor:** That sounds like a vital initiative. What actions can be taken at a community level to help address these issues?
**Dr. Laurent:** Communities can play a crucial role. Local organizations and policymakers can work together to provide support systems for families in need, such as food banks and after-school programs. It’s essential to engage with children and listen to their voices to understand their specific challenges better. We also encourage schools to provide safe spaces where children can connect and foster friendships, which is vital for their social development.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Laurent, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that addressing these issues requires a concerted effort from all levels of society.
**Dr. Laurent:** Absolutely. We all have a role to play in ensuring the well-being of our children. Thank you for bringing attention to this important matter.