UNICEF study: Children under five in developing countries miss out on bedtime stories
The study conducted by UNICEF identifies reading, singing and drawing as missing links that hinder development of 25% of two- to four-year-olds. Photo: UNICEF
(Web Desk) - A recent research by UNICEF says that a quarter of young children in developing countries miss out on playing, reading and singing with their parents.
According to The Guardian, UNICEF has warned in a report that cognitive developments of millions of children under the age of five have been undermined because parents are neither receiving the right guidance nor basic support, such as maternity leave.
“Time and money constraints mean that parents are forced to focus on putting food on the table, rather than play with their children, particularly in challenging circumstances where conflict, violence, extreme poverty and disease are rife,” said Dr Pia Britto, chief of early childhood development at UNICEF.
The research survey was conducted in 64 countries asking parents if they had spent time telling stories, reading, naming, counting, drawing, playing or singing songs with their child over a three-day period.
The report indicated that a quarter of children had not been engaged in any kind of these activities, which according to the report is the most crucial period to promote their cognitive, emotional and social development. According to Britto the findings indicates a wider pattern.
“We are not caring for children’s brains the way we care for their bodies – especially in early childhood, when science shows that children’s brains and children’s futures are rapidly being shaped,” said Anthony Lake, UNICEF’s executive director.
“We need to do more to give parents and caregivers of young children the support they need during this most critical period.”
The researchers at UNICEF have also concluded from the data collected across more than 70 countries that more than 20% of children under the age of five are regularly left on their own with no adult supervision, while 80% face harsh discipline by their caregivers.
Three policies were identified by the report which is essential to support families with young children, two years free pre-primary education, paid breastfeeding breaks during the first six months of a child’s life, and adequate paid parental leave for both fathers and mothers.
In Belize City, a book is read to three-year-old Alishia. Unicef has warned that parents and caregivers need to be better supported in their efforts to look after young children. Photo: Unicef
In 32 countries, families with children under the age of five do not receive any of these basic entitlements, according to the study.
The nurturing and care given to young children is not recognised as a priority, said Britto. “When it comes to young children, most governments are thinking around survival and keeping the children disease-free, and then they are thinking about education in the form of primary school,” she said.
“Between survival and school we’re missing this early part of development.”
On average, globally many governments spend less than 2% of their education budgets on early childhood programmes. UNICEF suggests and urges governments to increase the spending to 10% and to make family friendly policies.
Britto added that health workers should expand the services they offer to families, and “broaden the lens beyond health to include all of the different factors that together help shape and define young brains”.
Britto said families needed to demand services that will help them create an enriching environment for their children.
