« Ua worrying dynamic of accumulation of inequalities. » This is the sad observation of Serge Paugam, member of the scientific committee of Unicef France, who published this Tuesday, the eve of International Children's Rights Day, the report of a consultation of nearly 20,000 children and adolescents, aged 6 to 18, who shared their perceptions and experiences between October 2023 and March 2024. This survey reveals “worrying” inequalities, according to Unicef, “which profoundly affect the youth of our country”, especially young people from the most modest backgrounds.
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Thus, we note that nearly 23% of the young people consulted, or nearly one in four children, suffer from nutritional insufficiency, not eating three meals a day. In addition, 16.2% of children and adolescents experience material deprivation, 25.7% of access to knowledge, 44.4% of access to sporting activities and 66.7% to cultural activities.
ALSO READ The anxious, poorly silent school refusal of an anxious generation “These deprivations, often cumulative, generate a profound feeling of exclusion among these children and adolescents,” notes UNICEF in its report.
Numerous acts of violence and insufficient protection
Many young people also report having experienced insults, hurtful teasing or verbal violence, whether from other children or adults (31.3%), 30% reported having been physically or sexually assaulted from other children and 13.1%, from adults. “These statistics illustrate the scale of violence faced by children and adolescents, and highlight the need to act to ensure their protection and well-being,” adds Unicef. Especially since children and adolescents experiencing material deprivation are 2.7 times more likely to be exposed to a lack of protection, such as a feeling of insecurity, lack of support, or to be exposed to violence.
Regarding the place of school in their lives, 25.4% of the children and adolescents surveyed said they did not feel listened to or recognized by the adults in their school. “This figure points to a major gap in academic well-being, a key element for a successful educational journey. » Finally, last point of the study, 16% of respondents have a feeling of deprivation of rights, that is to say a feeling that their rights are not respected, in their city, village or neighborhood.
“The urgency of strengthening the protection and rights of children in France”
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At the conclusion of its investigation, Unicef lists a series of recommendations to change the situation, including the continuation of “actions in favor of better measurement of child poverty and strengthening knowledge of its multidimensional nature” or even strengthening education on children's rights in schools.
ALSO READ The worrying increase in the number of adolescents at significant risk of depression “These results highlight the urgency of strengthening the protection and rights of children in France while poverty, insecurity and exclusion continue to widen inequalities,” concludes Unicef, which “calls on decision-makers to act to reverse these worrying trends.”
