Is childhood today more complicated than ever before?
- Are children losing the joyful, unselfconscious, carefree experience of childhood?
- Do children spend too much time on technology?
- Do you think it is worth talking about?
Current Australian research tells us that on many important indicators the health and wellbeing of today’s children is not on the rise, but on the decline. Increasing numbers of early 21st century children are known to have complex diseases such as asthma, diabetes, and eating disorders. In particular, psychological problems such as learning disorders, depression and anxiety appear to be increasing.
We know that a good childhood is the foundation for a healthy society and that whilst parents have the primary responsibility to provide their children with a good childhood, they cannot do this alone.
The ‘Childhood Conversations’ Pilot Program seeks to engage parents of Victorian children in conversation about 21st century childhoods, in order to increase their understanding and awareness of what sustains a good childhood; and empower them to find solutions and advocate for change.
Through three x 2 hour sessions, parents will take a reflective journey through the context in which they experienced childhood and talk about the issues facing childhood in the 21st century.
We hope these conversations will inform a program model that may later be adopted by school communities across Australia.
It will be a fascinating journey and we look forward to sharing our progress with you.
Post written by: Julie Noonan, School Engagement Co-ordinator, Berry Street Childhood Institute