Why is child poverty a social issue?

In order to understand why child poverty is increasingly recognised as a social issue in New Zealand, we must first look at the definition and define what child poverty is. 

Child poverty is a broad term that identifies factors such as parent’s low income, housing, medical and educational costs, abuse or violence and neglect as the main reasons for young New Zealanders to be living in poverty.  The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) states the most important factor to be aware of is the child’s environment. If the environment is detrimental to a child’s development it will affect their well-being, thus causing unnecessary stress for all parties concerned.

Children have the right for their basic needs to be met; this means they have access to food, water, shelter, warmth, health services and an education. However for children living in poverty many of these vital needs for survival are not being met, due to many factors. A main factor that influences child poverty is low parental income. (Child Poverty Action Group, n.d).

Child poverty limits children’s daily lives as their opportunities, experiences, housing, nutrition and educational achievements suffer. A child whom experiences child poverty in the early years is more likely to experience poverty in adulthood and their children also have an increased risk of living in poverty. (Fletcher & Dwyer, 2008).

Child poverty is a major social issue in New Zealand as it affects everyone. Not only do families and children living in poverty suffer, society suffers as more people become beneficiaries and are dependent on government assistance. 

 The cost of not ending child poverty : A simplified map

Costs to the child		Consequences for society and for social spending
Impact of poverty in childhood	- material and social hardship - higher incidence of mental and physical illnesses - higher incidence of accidental injury, physical abuse and neglect - knock-on effect on development during childhood - social exclusion – reduced aspirations, loss of confidence.	- extra spending on preventable child problems – eg. health, remedial education - extra services, problems in school, spending on protective care, anti-social behaviour, childbearing when young and unsupported.
Future consequences	- greater chance of material hardship in adulthood, linked to continuing disadvantage - poorer health in adulthood, psychological wellbeing, ability to achieve life goals - consequences for own children.	- extra spending on long-term consequences such as poor health, crime - reduced economic capacity resulting from failure of individuals to reach potential - further spending on poverty caused by intergenerational cycle of disadvantage.

(Adapted from Hirsch, 2006, cited in Fletcher & Dwyer, 2008, p.17)

It is estimated that one billion children worldwide are living in poverty. In New Zealand it is estimated over 270,000 children are living in poverty.  In relation to our population this may seem small however statistically that means around 24% of children are experiencing an environment where they are disadvantaged through poverty. (Kids Cad Supporting Disadvantaged Kiwi Kids, n.d). Sadly it is also estimated that these statistics will continue to rise unless the government realises the effects child poverty is having on our children.

The effects of child poverty can be greatly reduced, however we must first come together with the same vision and goals if New Zealanders truly want to create a change. 
I ask you this, are we as contributing members of society stepping up enough to change the direction of child poverty in New Zealand?

Reference List:

Child Poverty Action Group. (n.d). Retrieved March 10, 2013 from www.cpag.org.nz/about-us/our-vision/

Childhood Under Threat The State of the World’s Children. (2005). Retrieved March 10, 2013 from www.unicef.org/sowc05/english/povertyissue.html

Fletcher, M., & Dwyer, M. (2008). A fair go for all children: Actions to address child poverty in New Zealand. Wellington, New Zealand: Author.

Kids Can Supporting Disadvantaged Kiwi Kids. (n.d). Retrieved March 10, 2013 from www.kidscan.org.nz