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| The Children’s Society Magazine | Spring 2009
The report on FRIENDS The Children’s Society on friends
Children who make friends early do Children need friends. They need to
better. They have greater moral sensibility have the freedom to explore their
and better understanding of social environment and make these important
relationships. This means they are more relationships. It’s important to recognise
popular, bullied less and less aggressive. the real risks to children. Parents most
The number of 16 year-olds saying they fear their child being murdered or killed
have a best friend they can really trust in road traffic. Statistically, these risks
has dropped. Parents are increasingly are incredibly low. We want children to
afraid to let their children explore the be able to celebrate and embrace all
outside world unsupervised. aspects of childhood; the rough and
tumble of growing up.
‘
You can’t have a good
The report on LIFESTYLE
Children have more money, they have
childhood without friends,
more leisure and a communication
every child needs friends.
revolution has introduced a completely
new set of activities. Children spend, on
‘
People at school look
down their nose at you
Lots of friends to confide in
average, 17 hours a week watching TV.
if you don’t have an iPod
Advertising to children has increased and
and talking is what young
or whatever
produces a more materialistic individual.
people need for a good life.
Promotion of foods high in sugar and salt 14 year-old girl
as well as increasing inactivity are
leading to an obesity epidemic.
’
.
12 year-old girl
’
The Children’s Society on lifestyle
Communication and technology is
changing fast. Every generation has its
new experiences. The Children’s Society
believes that adults need to strike a
healthy balance in relation to children’s
access to media and online communities.
The only constant for children today, is
change. The Children’s Society works
with children to educate them to make
their own considered choices. We want
children to experience a healthy, happy
childhood that incorporates a healthy
diet and exercise.
‘
Where I live there is
nothing to do for my age,
I get really bored at
the weekends
’
.
Abi, aged 11, Derby
The report on MENTAL HEALTH
Most children do lead happy lives.
However, a minority are seriously
troubled. One in ten five–16 year-olds
has clinically significant mental health
problems. These range from anxiety,
depression, over activity, ADHD and
anorexia. Factors that affect mental
health include family conflict, living
apart from the father and poor mental
health of a parent.
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