Supporting Children’s Health And Welfare On International Children's Day

International Children’s Day, which takes place on June 1, is an event that can give individuals and communities around the world the opportunity to advocate for the human rights, welfare, and education of children. By supporting children on this day, people can become part of a progressive society that takes care of the younger generation, promotes action related to climate change, and ensures equal opportunity for future generations. On International Children's Day, people can advocate for a better future and support children’s welfare by addressing current challenges for children in society. If you’re a parent, one way to promote children’s health and welfare on this day may be to speak with a licensed therapist about the best ways to support your child.

History of International Children’s Day

International Children’s Day began in 1856, when a pastor in Massachusetts named Reverend Dr. Charles Leonard held a special service that focused on children. Since then, it has taken place annually on June 1. The International Day for Protection of Children also takes place on this date and was established in 1954.

Universal Children’s Day, which is frequently confused with International Children’s Day, takes place every year on November 20 since the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959. 

World Children’s Day (another name for Universal Children’s Day) has been adopted as UNICEF’s (the United Nations Children Fund, as it’s now known) annual day of action for children, encouraging children to be at the forefront of change and action, and advocating for children’s rights established by the Declaration of the Rights of the Child and beyond. By empowering young people in this way, UNICEF can be seen as one of many organizations equipping children with the ability and vision to foster positive change in the future, whether it’s through addressing child poverty, education, health care, or safeguard from violence and exploitation. 

Promoting awareness of children’s mental health challenges

People may think of children as being playful, exuberant, and energetic. However, children are not necessarily immune to mental, emotional, and physical challenges. Research suggests that a significant number of children may be affected by mental health disorders worldwide. Health and happiness tend to play an important role in the development of an individual and their capacity for learning, which can be especially important for children throughout their school years. 

Children today may be susceptible to a variety of mental health challenges, anxiety disorders usually being the most common. They can also be at risk for behavior disorders, substance use disorders, and mood disorders, among other mental health concerns. 

Research is still being done on the risk factors for mental illness in children, but some of them can include poverty, their caregiver’s mental health, genetic dispositions, and loneliness.

International Children’s Day can serve as an opportunity to educate friends, family members, and the wider community about how children can also experience mental health conditions. It can be important to promote understanding of children’s mental health concerns in our communities, especially for people who work in caregiver roles. 

Raising awareness for and destigmatizing mental health conditions in children often involves educating teachers, families, and caregivers on how to provide care and support for children facing mental health challenges. If people can identify the signs and symptoms of common disorders, they may be able to offer early interventions so that children can receive the support they deserve. 

The impact of climate change on children

While updated evidence may be needed, research suggests that climate change can have a significant impact on children, and the state of our environment in the future could be a great determinant of children’s health and well-being. Here, we highlight a few ways that climate change may impact children worldwide, now and in the future. 

• Health risks: Due to increased sensitivity and exposure, children may be vulnerable to some of the health impacts of climate change. A few examples can include heat-related illnesses, respiratory problems from air pollution, and water-borne diseases from lack of clean drinking water.

• Nutritional challenges: Food instability can be a real risk posed by climate change that could affect future generations. By supporting conscious planet initiatives like SaveSoil, you can restore global soil quality and ensure high-quality, nutritious food.

• Mental health: Extreme events, such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires, can impact a child’s mental and emotional well-being, especially if they result in them having to move away from their current home and social network. 

• Educational disruption: If a school is forced to close due to an environmental disaster, it could impede children’s education, potentially affecting both their learning and future opportunities.

• Interconnected risks: It can be important to recognize that impacts of climate change tend to be interconnected. For example, a child experiencing a heat-related illness may have to miss school and, therefore, could also face educational disruption.

Climate change has the potential to negatively influence various areas of a child’s life. By aiding efforts to reduce carbon emissions and decrease the impact of climate change, you may support children around the world for a more sustainable and equitable future.

Improving children’s welfare

Being part of a supportive home and social environment can be conducive to the happiness and health of children, as a healthy home environment can facilitate healthy development. Whether you are a parent, teacher, guardian, or caregiver, you can promote the welfare of children by providing a clean and safe environment where they are physically, socially, and emotionally stable. 

It can be especially beneficial if children have space to explore various creative and physical outlets, such as art and sports. By engaging in group sports activities, children can exercise, socialize, and have fun expressing themselves physically. A sporting environment can be a safe space for children to express themselves, form friendships, and develop passions. It can also provide a way for parents to show up for their children, whether by practicing with them in the backyard, showing unconditional support on game day, or hosting team parties to build a supportive community. 

Outside of home life, government agencies and organizations often promote health and wellness for children across the world. Various initiatives and policies are frequently dedicated to enhancing children’s welfare and addressing their diverse needs. Making sure all children have quality education is usually at the forefront of government policy, as education can empower children with the knowledge and skills needed to prosper in everyday life. 

Other important focus areas can include affordable healthcare, such as vaccinations and mental health support, social care support, including child protection services and foster care, and policies that address poverty, basic human rights, homelessness, and discrimination. By supporting government agencies and organizations that address the needs of children in our society, you can foster inclusivity and equal opportunity for future generations.  

It can also be important to acknowledge and celebrate the people in our community who take care of children every day, especially on International Children’s Day. Parents, teachers, caregivers, and policymakers often provide invaluable support for children. International Children’s Day can be a great day to encourage and recognize these members of society and celebrate their continued efforts to promote health and well-being among the children of our community. 

6 fun ways to celebrate International Children’s Day

By celebrating International Children's Day with joyful activities and meaningful interactions, we can reinforce the value of childhood, promote happiness and well-being, and create cherished moments that children may carry with them throughout their lives. Here are a few potential ways to celebrate:

The value of therapy in promoting children’s health and welfare

Studies show that the mental health of parents, teachers, guardians, and caregivers can have a direct impact on the health and well-being of children, so it can be vital to take care of yourself in order to have a positive impact on the children around you. However, if you have children, it may be challenging to find time in your schedule to attend in-person therapy appointments. This is where online therapy may serve as a helpful alternative.

Online therapy typically provides flexibility in scheduling, offering appointment slots outside of typical office hours and eliminating the need to travel to a therapist’s office. The ability to attend sessions from any preferred location with an internet connection, whether that’s from home or the office, can make it easier for parents to seek professional support.

A growing body of research suggests that online therapy tends to be just as effective as its in-person counterpart. According to a 2021 study evaluating the efficacy of an online parenting strategies intervention, results included “improved self-reported parenting behaviours, parental self-efficacy, parent levels of distress, parent–adolescent attachment, and family functioning in parents with adolescents being treated for anxiety and/or depression.”