In the previous blog (HERE), I discussed some of the finding from the 16th Report Card brought out by UNICEF’s Innocenti last month, ranking 41 rich countries on the well-being of their children. In this blog, I want to have a look at some of the recommendations given in the report.
UNICEF recommends that rich countries take action in three areas. The first one being that children should be listened to, and what they say needs to be taken into account. Particularly, when deciding what ‘well-being’ or ‘a good childhood’ is, it stands to reason to ask children what they would consider a good childhood. Their definition might not always be in line with that of adults. For example, the study underlying the report showed that children feel that serious concerns about the environment, the importance of good-quality relationships and personal autonomy should be given consideration. “Children’s participation in society is part of consensus-building between generations on what matters most.”
The second area is connecting policies. Too often, policies that are not specifically aimed at children or their care are not examined for their effect on children. However, regularly there is a significant effect. Policies on housing, access to healthcare, workers’ rights, economy, and environment all have big impacts on children because they determine the extent to which families are able to be present and care for their children and the various risks that children face in their daily lives. Just like the economic impact of legislation and policy is routinely assessed, so should their impact on children’s well-being.
The third area where action is required is creating strong foundations. Or in other words, putting the necessary policies in place and future-proofing them to make sure that child well-being can be sustained, also through times of crisis. Reducing income inequality and poverty play an important role in this. “More equal societies tend to report higher life expectancy and fewer social problems such as violence, mental illness, bullying among children and teenage pregnancy.”
Creating strong foundations also involves making various supportive services – including mental health support for children – accessible and affordable, providing high-quality affordable daycare and family-friendly work policies, tackling environmental pollution, and increasing efforts to deal with preventable diseases in children.
“The Sustainable Development Goals provide an excellent basis for intensifying and accelerating improvements in child well-being globally.”
So, rather than countries congratulating themselves or hanging their heads in shame at where they rank in the report card, everyone should roll up their sleeves and get to work. There is much to be done, and much can be achieved. Children only get one childhood, let’s make it a good one.
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