Family : Changes in Childhood - Social Policy

• Social Policy

  There’s whole range of policies that relate specifically to children, which have developed as the welfare state expanded. Policies developed for children now tend to focus on a multi-agency approach, whereby different parts of the state work together to protect children.
• Social Policy: child-centred society. 1/2

  • 1946 Universal child benefits introduced (they became means tested in 2013) which is a reflection of how valued children are in society
  • 1991 Child Support Act ensuring the rights of children, making sure that children come first in a divorce, enabling their views to be heard and valued, and making sure that parents provide support for their children
• Social Policy : child-centered society 2/2

  • 2004 Children Act - Every Child Matters' - Focusing on the well-being of children from birth to the age of 19
  • 2007 Department for Children established, which focused on improving the quality of life of all children
• Good Childhood Report

  The Good Childhood Report 2013 is based on research on the well-being of children, carried out on behalf of the Children's Society. It has been carried out annually since 2005 and includes research on children aged 8-17. The study is based on previously existing research findings, such as the Household Panel Survey, as well as primary research methods such as interviews.
• Good Childhood Report

  Their latest report reveals that around four-fifths of children are 'flourishing, meaning that they are satisfied with their lives as a whole and find their lives worthwhile. Conversely, about 20 per cent of children aged 8-15 score below the midpoint for one of the two well-being measures used, while 10 per cent, or half a million, are struggling - they score low on both measures.
• Contemporary Application

  There are increasing concerns about the role of technology in encouraging sedentary behaviour in children's lives. The concerns siem from the idea that technology such as computer games is being given to children as a substitute for 9000 parenting. Sue Palmer (2007) calls this toxic childhood. Palmer argues that rather than spend quality lime with their children, parents are too happy to use television, computer games and last food to placate them. Palmer suggests that, as a result, children grow up to be easily distractible, self-absorbed and less sociable.