Childhood in Crisis Essay

Levels of depression and antisocial behavior in children have increased dramatically in the modern societies. This situation has led many people to believe that childhood itself is in crisis. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view? Childhood! The most magical time of our lives; the essence of our reminiscence; and most importantly the foundation of what we are today. Even when so much around us has changed, the concept of childhood, as a whole, is still perceived as a period of joy and buoyancy. The stage of childhood, from birth to the age of 16, is a shield, behind which children are nourished, taught and made strong and sensible before they inevitably grow up and face the harsh world. Ironically, this ‘harsh world’ is due to people who were once a part of the innocence and protection of childhood. This statement sort of nullifies all the adjectives I used for childhood, but this is the unfortunate truth of the contemporary world. The shield of childhood has weakened and bad influences are seeping through it and infecting the most innocent of minds, the minds of children. Somehow, somewhere, in our race towards achievement of technological advancement, we have lost our creed and the bonds of even the dearest relations are beginning to emaciate. All this leads to a dreaded demise of childhood’s happiness and prosperity. Family is the building block of society as well as a symbol of peace and collaboration. Father, mother, siblings and kins are always there to help, nourish and care for the child. The underlying base of the childhood crisis can be traced to the fall of this family unit. In the modern society climbing rates of divorce have made single parenting an acceptable lifestyle. But for the child lack of role models, of both genders, become emotionally detrimental and this continually aggravates the problems of the child. Adding to this, the economic crunch requires both parents to work tirelessly for long hours to make ends meet. This results in absence of parental guidance when the child requires it most. The economic crisis also transfers a lot of stress to the parents who in turn take it out on the child in form of verbal and physical abuse. The presence of these threats at such a close and personal level leaves a deep mark in the personality of the child, causing antisocial behavior. This shows that childhood is in crisis. In the ‘good old times’ children learnt everything from the society, hence the parents and relatives could create a strong barrier between a child and bad influences. Children were urged to disregard any bad habit they may observe. But today’s generation grew up with technology. Sadly, trillions of dollars are being spent, on this technology, to transmit movies and images portraying criminals, violence, drugs and other immoral actions. Now consider an innocent susceptible child being continuously exposed to these types of influential entertainment alternatives and imagine the end result. It is exactly what we see today. Children are acting out in a destructive manner and even at their young age, they are practicing the amoral actions that they observe in the media. â€Å"Nearly half of those questioned disagreed that children who get into trouble are often misunderstood and in need of professional help.† (Salmon 2008) . If you ever needed a strong evidence of childhood plummeting into a crisis, it is the statement above. Affection is a part of human nature and it should be nurtured, especially in children. It not only provides support but also motivates kindness. Even between children of opposite genders, affection and communication has always been a source of confidence. But as we progress through the 21st century change is taking its toll. The age of puberty is decreasing due to increase in nutritious diet. The children go through the ups and downs of puberty though they are not mentally mature enough. The outcome is that children succumb to their desires in detrimental manners, like having deep personal relationships. This proves perilous because when they grow apart they are hit with severe depression, which may even be to the point of suicide. This proves that in the modern society childhood is in crisis. One may argue that childhood is still a protected haven and the parents, who have the capability to love without limits, will go to the ends to preserve the innocence of their child. One could even argue that the teachers, if diligent and willing, could provide an alternative for every bad influence a child displays hence fending off antisocial actions in the long run. One could argue these and he/she would be correct. But I am a realist and I am of the opinion that in the modern world the scarcity of humanity has escalated to such an extent that even children are not protected as the delicate blessings they are. Therefore, observing all these logical arguments, I do believe that in our modern society childhood is truly in a crisis. (794 words) REFERENCE LIST * Stollenwerk, Steve. Childhood is in Crisis – Socially & Politically. In Steve Stollenwork. Retrieved June 3, 2012, from http://www.steve-stollenwerk.com/children-issues/childhood-in-crisis-contents.htm. * Nation Master. Divorce rate by country, divorcereform.org2004. Retrieved June 3, 2012, from http://www.NationMaster.com/graph/peo_div_rat-people-divorce-rate. * Woods, Tyler. (July 16, 2010). Unhealthy Family Problems Damage Young Children. In Exam Health. Retrieved June 3, 2012, from http://www.emaxhealth.com/1357/unhealthy-family-problems-damage-young-children * Zwozdiak-Mayers, P.Z-M. (2007). Childhood and Youth Studies. Learning Matters Ltd.