Children’s welfare and safety: current interpretation of notions and their functional context

Abstract

The essence of the concept of "child well-being" is revealed as the state of needs satisfaction, rights provision and personal achievement of the person under 18 years. The components of the child's well-being (spiritual-moral, psychic, physical, social) are determined. Indicators of integral well-being of the child (moral and aesthetic education; intellectual mobility; emotional and volitional stability; physical and vital tone; orientation in the world of professions; participation in society and decision-making; comfort; social security; and safety of life) are revealed. The concept of "person's safety", "safety of life activities" are defined. Objective and subjective aspects of security are distinguished. Child safety is grounded in the context of national security. Such security is interpreted in the broad sense, (1) as protection from all forms of physical and psychological violence, abuses, from sexual harassment, peer pressure, intimidation, degrading attitude; (2) as protection from exploitation, drugs, involvement in the worst forms of child labor, armed conflict, etc. Circumstances causing a threat to life and health of the child. Circumstances causing the threat to life and health of the child are listed. Signs that predispose a child's vulnerability (1) age of a child; 2) child's characteristics; 3) state child’s health) are named. Safe behavior of the individual is described. The functional role of well-being states and safety for the harmonious development of a growing personality is revealed. Particular attention is paid to the issue of child safety in the context of social and socio-pedagogical work. An example of a child safety project is presented.