‘Protection of childhood: security dimensions for children and adolescents’ research was presented during the Fourth Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen

According to it, rising prices, climate change, and poor mental health are among the main issues for children.

The research was carried out among 15 countries, especially for the Fourth Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen. It highlighted both the general issues parents and children face and the range of region-specific challenges. Countries in focus included Brazil, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Iraq, Japan, Kenya, Lithuania, Qatar, Serbia, Türkiye, Ukraine, the UK, and the USA. Five dimensions — children’s safety during wars, security at school, Internet safety, well-being at home, and environmental threats— were studied. 

According to the research, 75% of parents believe that children now face more threats than these adults had in their childhood. Rising prices, poverty, and unemployment are among the main issues parents around the globe cite. Children cited rising prices at the top of the list of issues for young generations in their countries, too. However, when asked to rank challenges affecting them personally, children prioritised mental health, followed by family worries and environmental issues. Nevertheless, in Japan, Serbia, Ukraine, and Türkiye, war and its associated dangers dominate the list of children’s concerns.

Nearly 1 in 4 children (23%) in 15 countries are directly impacted by war, and a significant 67% of children are indirectly harmed by war. Only 31% of parents and 33% of children directly impacted by war rate their mental health as high, compared to 38% of parents and 42% who are not affected.

8 out of 10 children have encountered situations at school that negatively impacted their safety and well-being.

8 out of 10 children know at least one person who has been exposed to harmful online content.

More than 1 in 6 children worry about being safe at home.

The research was conducted specifically for the Fourth Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen by Catalyse Research together with BRAND UKRAINE with the support of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). 

You can find the detailed research findings via the following link.