Toxic Childhood

• Toxic childhood- a term used by Sue Palmer to describe the negative effect of modern society has on children
• Agains the March of Progress view
• Changes in family life causes toxic childhood -> e.g. busy parents + family breakdowns
• Overuse of technology can cause toxic childhood -> e.g. screen time + cyberbullying
• School + societal pressure causes toxic childhood -> e.g. competitive society + academic pressure
• Lack of outdoor play + nature causes toxic childhood -> e.g. nature disconnection + less outdoor playtime
• Can impact mental health (more anxiety + stress), social skills (more tech + less face-to-face interaction) and physical health (unhealthy eating habits)
• Ways to protect kids:

  • balanced screen time
  • promoting family time
  • mental health support
  • encouraging real play
• Recognising these issues + taking steps to reduce negative impacts can help kids grow up happier, healthier + more resilient
• Toxic childhood refers to the idea that modern life, with its pressures, technology + changing of family structures can negatively affects kids wellbeings