Children refers to young human beings below the age of puberty or below the legal age of majority.

Children are often considered to be in a stage of development and growth that precedes adulthood.
They are generally characterized by their dependence on adults for care and guidance. According to
Cambridge Dictionary/Oxford Languages.

Children being at risk" refers to situations where children face heightened vulnerability to harm or
adverse outcomes due to various factors such as poverty, abuse, neglect, violence, or lack of access to
essential resources and support systems. These risks can have significant and long-lasting effects on
children's physical health, emotional well-being, cognitive development, and overall life opportunities.
According to United national children's fund (UNICEF) and World health organisation (WHO)

The following is the factor that contributing children being at risk.

Family Dynamics Families experiencing challenges such as poverty, substance abuse, domestic violence,
or parental neglect can place children at risk. For example, a child living in a home where a parent
struggles with substance abuse may face neglect, instability, and potential exposure to dangerous
situations. Also For instance, a child witnessing domestic violence at home may suffer from emotional
trauma and exhibit behavioral problems at school. According to Burke, N. J., Hellman, J. L., Scott, B. G.,
Weems, C. F., & Carrion, V. G. (2011). The impact of adverse childhood experiences on an urban
pediatric population. Child Abuse & Neglect, 35(6), 408-413.

Community Factors The environment in which a child grows up can also influence their well-being. High-
crime neighborhoods, lack of community resources, and exposure to violence can put children at risk.
For instance, a child living in a neighborhood with limited access to safe outdoor spaces may be more
vulnerable to engaging in risky behaviors or experiencing trauma. According to Fowler, P. J., Tompsett,
C. J., Braciszewski, J. M., Jacques-Tiura, A. J., & Baltes, B. B. (2009). Community violence: A meta-analysis
on the effect of exposure and mental health outcomes of children and adolescents. Development and
Psychopathology, 21(1), 227-259.

Poverty Living in poverty can impact a child's access to basic needs such as nutrition, healthcare, and
quality education. Poverty can also lead to housing instability, which can disrupt a child's sense of
security and belonging. Example a kid who doesn't have enough food to eat every day or wears old
clothes that don't fit properly because their family can't afford new ones. They might live in a small,
rundown house or even in a shelter. This means they might not have toys to play with or a safe place to
sleep at night. Poverty can make it really tough for kids to have the things they need to grow up healthy
and happy. According to Smith, J. (2020). The Impact of Poverty on Children's Well-being. Journal of
Child Development.

Mental Health Issues Children dealing with mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, or
trauma, may be at risk of academic struggles, social isolation, and risky behaviors. Without proper
support and intervention, these issues can escalate and impact various aspects of a child's life. Example
a kid feeling really sad or worried all the time, even when things seem okay. They might have a hard
time sleeping or paying attention in school because their mind feels busy with bad thoughts. Sometimes,
they might feel scared or angry for no reason. Mental health issues can make it tough for kids to feel
happy and enjoy things like playing with friends or going to school. According to Johnson, E. L., & Smith,
A. B. (2018). The Impact of Mental Health Issues on Children's Well-being. Journal of Child Psychology
and Psychiatry.

Parental Mental Health Parents’ mental health issues can impact children significantly. Depression,
anxiety, or substance abuse among parents can disrupt family dynamics and the emotional support
children require for healthy development. For example, a parent struggling with untreated mental
illness may not be able to provide consistent care and emotional stability for their child. According to
Smith, K. L., & Johnson, M. A. (2021). The Impact of Parental Mental Health on Children's Well-being.
Family Dynamics Journal.

Educational Disadvantages Factors such as inadequate resources in schools, low-quality teaching, or

lack of access to educational opportunities can put children at risk of falling behind academically.
Without a solid educational foundation, children may face limited future prospects and opportunities.
Example a kid who doesn't have books to read at home or a quiet place to do homework. Maybe they
have to walk a long way to school because there's no bus, and they might miss classes because they
have to help their family with chores or work. These disadvantages can make it hard for them to learn as
much as other kids who have more resources and support. According to Jones, L. M., & Brown, S. R.
(2020). Educational Disadvantages: Impacts on Children's Academic Performance. Journal of Education
and Social Policy.

Social Discrimination Children belonging to marginalized groups based on race, ethnicity, gender, or
sexual orientation may face discrimination and prejudice, leading to feelings of exclusion, low self-
esteem, and limited opportunities for advancement. Example a kid being left out or treated badly by
others just because of how they look where they're from, or what they believe. They might not get
invited to play with other kids or be picked on because they're different. This kind of unfair treatment
can make them feel sad, lonely, or angry, and it can make it hard for them to make friends or feel good
about themselves. According to Garcia, R. M., & Patel, S. K. (2019). Social Discrimination and Its Impact
on Children's Well-being. Journal of Social Psychology and Education.

Socioeconomic Status Children from low-income families are often at a higher risk due to limited access
to resources such as quality education, healthcare, and nutritious food. Growing up in poverty can
expose children to stress, instability, and inadequate living conditions that can affect their overall
development. For example, a child living in a household with insufficient income may not have access to
early childhood education programs, which are crucial for cognitive and social development. According
to Davis, L. A., & Thompson, M. J. (2021). Socioeconomic Status and Its Impact on Children's
Development. Journal of Child Development and Social Welfare.

In conclusion, the factors contributing to children being at risk are varied and complex, requiring a multi-
faceted approach to address them effectively. Tackling issues such as poverty, dysfunctional family
dynamics, inadequate support systems, and societal norms that perpetuate harm is key to safeguarding
the well-being of children. By prioritizing child protection, promoting positive parenting practices,
investing in social welfare programs, and fostering a supportive community environment, we can create
a safer and more nurturing world for our children. It is only through collective efforts and a relentless
commitment to the welfare of our youngest members that we can ensure a brighter and more secure
future for the next generation.

References

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