Global childhood challenges 2024: from mental health to digital threats
Kateryna Hliznitsova, Unsplash
Mental health: post-pandemic crisis status
Global studies document an alarming rise in mental health disorders among children, with one in seven children experiencing depression, anxiety or behavioural disorders. Girls in particular report high levels of anxiety (42%) and loneliness. Experts attribute these problems to the precarious financial situation of families, which points to the need for more sustainable social interventions. Among the solutions are the introduction of school psychological services and mental health first aid training for adults.
Psychologically prepared adults are key to protecting vulnerable children.
The fragmentation of protection systems in Luxembourg limits children's access to comprehensive assistance. One proposal was the creation of Barnahus Centres, a space where victims of violence can receive specialist support in a safe and comfortable environment. However, a key challenge is overcoming cultural barriers, where the voice of the child is often ignored in favour of the rights of parents.
The dangers of the digital world
Digital threats have taken on unprecedented proportions, from cyberbullying to the risks posed by AI. Deepfakes and other technologies threaten children's safety, and regulators are failing to keep pace with technological developments. Suggestions include the introduction of age verification systems and educational programmes to foster a healthy balance between screen time and real life.
Despite the country's economic prosperity, 25% of children here live below the poverty line, and in single-parent families this figure reaches 48%. The REVIS social assistance programme, instead of supporting, sometimes deepens poverty, creating a vicious circle. The aggravation of the housing crisis reinforces the need to review the national policy in this area.
The urgency of changes in the field of child protection is clear and the proposed measures, according to the petitioners, show the way to a brighter future where the interests of children become a priority for society.
