UNICEF NZ tells us the shocking truth.
Image by Iain McGregor
UNICEF defines child poverty as children being deprived of the material, spiritual and emotional resources needed to survive, develop and thrive. This leaves them unable to enjoy their rights, achieve their full potential or participate as full and equal members of society.
295,000 NZ children (almost 20% of kiwi kids) spend their childhood in income poverty.
295,000 New Zealand kids are living beneath the income poverty line
Many NZ children are unable to experience the basics that many of us take for granted.
Indicator 1. MISSING OUT ON ESSENTIALS
Living in income poverty can mean homelessness
Not having access to healthy food like fruits and vegetables
Going to school hungry
Coming home to a cold damp house
Having to sleep in a shared bed
Missing out on activities like learning a musical instrument or playing sport
Missing out on having a birthday party
Indicator 2. SOCIAL EXCLUSION
Detrimental for the mental wellbeing of children
They may be bullied for not wearing the right school uniform
Stressed from having to move house constantly due to, eg: rent increases, parental relationship breakdowns (arguing, violence), unsafe neighbourhoods (gangs, dogs), trying to get closer proximity to schools, especially if there is no car in the family.
Indicator 3. HEALTH CONSEQUENCES
Children in poor communities are 3x more likely than the average child to be sick,
Twice as likely to end up in hospital
Six times higher to experience Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI)
Higher risk of heart disease
Alcohol and drug addiction
Obesity
Poor dental health