The State of the World’s Children: How can we provide support to children growing up in households with alcohol problems?

Seen with the eyes of our children, the world we live in has an alcohol problem.   In 2021, UNICEF released the flagship report entitled “The State of the World’s Children”. It explored the mental health of children, adolescents and caregivers. The report addressed alcohol as a risk factor for the mental health of children and young people. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), such as violence, abuse, neglect, household alcohol problems, are in turn linked to sexual risk taking, mental health issues, alcohol and other drug use problems and violence. Thus, perpetuating a vicious cycle.    That children have to grow up in homes with alcohol problems is an invisible and silent but massive crisis - worldwide.   For this podcast conversation we have invited four guests to discuss how we can provide support to children growing up in households with alcohol problems.   Dr. Joanna Lai DrPH, MPH, MsED Health Specialist Maternal Newborn Adolescent Health Unit Health Section, Programme Division UNICEF NYHQ    Kristina Sperkova, MPsy International President, Movendi International, President, Movendi SK   Mr.Winyoo Srisupachok Social Innovation engineer Project consultant, The Cultivation of children for Positive Consciousness and protection from health risk factors (Alcohol, Tobacco, other Drugs etc.) Stop Drink Network in Thailand   Mona Örjes President, Junis, social movement in Sweden for child rights and child health with a focus on protecting children who grow up in household with alcohol problem   We recorded this conversation as a livestreamed event on February 15, 2024, during the global awareness week for children of households with alcohol problems.   There is a pressing need for more action to increase recognition of and support for children of households with alcohol problems.    Some community programs exists and some advocacy campaigns show promising results, along with growing attention to the magnitude and urgency of the problem.   In a timely event, Movendi International brings together experts in the fields of child rights and child health with community leaders working to protect children from adverse experiences due to parental alcohol use problems.