Children In Northern Ireland Research Articles

Refractive error and visual impairment in school children in Northern Ireland

AimsTo describe the prevalence of refractive error (myopia and hyperopia) and visual impairment in a representative sample of white school children.MethodsThe Northern Ireland Childhood Errors of Refraction study, a population-based...

Snacking patterns according to location among Northern Ireland children

To examine the influence of location on snack intake among Northern Ireland (NI) children aged 5-8 years. Dietary intake was assessed by 7-day weighed dietary records. Parents/children self defined type (meal/snack) and location of eating occasions. Locations were grouped as 'Home' or 'Out of home' (inclusive of school). Children (5-8 years; n=113) were recruited through primary schools in the Coleraine area of NI. Snacks consumed at home contributed 20% to total energy intake (TEI), while out of home snacking accounted for 7% of TEI. Snack food choice was markedly similar in and out of home with sugar confectionery, milks and cakes ranked as the top three choices. Foods contributing significantly more to out of home snack food consumption than to home snack food consumption were milks and dairy products (P<0.001), cakes and buns (P=0.001), crisps and savory snacks (P<0.001) and sugar confectionery (P=0.01). Portion sizes of snacks consumed out of home were generally higher than that at home, significantly so in the case of milks and non-diet carbonated soft drinks (P<0.01, both cases). The current study shows the key importance of the home as the main location for snacking among children aged 5-8 years, albeit that snack food choices both in and out of home were remarkably similar, and portion sizes of out of home snacks generally higher. Given the evidence that dietary behavior tracks from a young age, implementing healthy snacking behavior among primary school-aged children, particularly within the home environment, should be a priority.

Ethnic habitus and young children: a case study of Northern Ireland

ABSTRACT This article presents the findings of an exploratory survey of the ethnic attitudes and identities of a random sample (n=352) of three–six‐year‐old children in Northern Ireland. The survey represents one of the first of its kind to explore how young children's awareness of ethnic differences develops in contexts where ethnicity is not marked by visible, physical differences. In drawing upon the notion of an ‘ethnic habitus’, the article shows how young children from the two majority ethno‐religious groups in the region – Catholic and Protestants – are already acquiring the cultural dispositions and habits of their respective groups even though, at the earlier ages, they have little awareness or understanding of what these dispositions represent. The article shows that young children are capable of developing ethnic identities and prejudices in the absence of physical cues and discusses the implications of these findings for practice as well as for understanding the effects of racial and ethnic divisions on young children in other social contexts. RÉSUMÉ: Cet article présente les résultats d'une enquête exploratoire concernant les attitudes et identités ethniques d'un ensemble d'enfants de trois à six ans, pris au hasard en Irlande du Nord (n=352). L'enquête est l'une des premières du genre à explorer la façon dont se développe la conscience des différences ethniques chez les jeunes enfants dans des contextes où l'ethnicité n'est pas marquee par des differences physiques visibles. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG: Dieser Beitrag stellt die Ergebnisse einer explorativen Studie der ethnischen Haltungen und Identitäten einer Zufallsstichprobe (n=352) Drei bis Sechs jähriger Kinder aus Nordirland vor. Die Studie stellt eine der ersten ihrer Art dar; sie untersucht wie sich das Bewusstsein für ethnische Unterschiede in Kontexten entwickelt, in denen Ethnizität nicht durch sichtbare, körperliche Unterschiede markiert wird. Der Artikel zieht das Konzept eines ‘Ethnischen Habitus’ heran um aufzuzeigen wie junge Kinder aus den beiden wichtigsten ethno‐religiösen Gruppen der Region – Katholiken und Protestanten – die kulturellen Dispositionen ihrer jeweiligen Gruppen erwerben ohne (aufgrund ihres Alters) im Einzelnen zu verstehen was diese Dispositionen repräsentieren. Der Beitrag zeigt, dass junge Kinder auch ohne physische Hinweise dazu fähig sind, ethnische Identitäten und Vorurteile zu entwickeln. Er diskutiert die Implikationen dieser Ergebnisse für die Praxis und für das Verständnis der Auswirkungen ethnischer Trennung auf junge Kinder in anderen sozialen Kontexten. RESUMEN: Este artículo presenta los resultados de un estudio exploratorio acerca de las identidades étnicas y las actitudes de una muestra aleatoria (n = 352) de niños de tres–seis años en Irlanda del Norte. El estudio representa uno de los primeros de este tipo en explorar la conciencia de los niños pequeños del desarrollo de diferencias étnicas en contextos donde el origen étnico no está visiblemente marcado, por las diferencias físicas. Sobre la base en la noción de un ‘hábitus étnico’, el artículo muestra cómo los niños pequeños de los dos grupos étnicos‐religiosos en la región – Católicos y Protestantes – ya están adquiriendo las disposiciones y hábitos culturales de sus respectivos grupos a pesar de que, en las primeras edades, tienen poco conocimiento o comprensión de lo que estas disposiciones representan. El artículo muestra que los niños pequeños son capaces de desarrollar su identidad étnica y sus prejuicios en ausencia de señales físicas y discute las implicaciones de estos hallazgos para la práctica, así como para la comprensión de los efectos de las divisiones raciales y étnicas en los niños pequeños en otros contextos sociales.

Experiencing Difference: Cultural Alienation of the Hong Kong Chinese Children in Northern Ireland

The present paper focuses on secondary school children from Hong Kong Chinese families living in Northern Ireland, UK, and maps out their trans-cultural experiences by examining the discursive ways in which they construct their cultural Self and cultural Other. Here Bourdieu's concept of habitus is employed in conjunction with Chinese moral values in order to understand the ethnic Chinese minority children's creative constructions of trans-cultural identity, cultural perceptions and attitudes. In conclusion, implications for culturally grounded understanding of trans-cultural experience in light of habitus are discussed.

Children and political violence from a social ecological perspective: implications from research on children and families in Northern Ireland.

The effects on children of political violence are matters of international concern, with many negative effects well-documented. At the same time, relations between war, terrorism, or other forms of political violence and child development do not occur in a vacuum. The impact can be understood as related to changes in the communities, families and other social contexts in which children live, and in the psychological processes engaged by these social ecologies. To advance this process-oriented perspective, a social ecological model for the effects of political violence on children is advanced. This approach is illustrated by findings and methods from an ongoing research project on political violence and children in Northern Ireland. Aims of this project include both greater insight into this particular context for political violence and the provision of a template for study of the impact of children's exposure to violence in other regions of the world. Accordingly, the applicability of this approach is considered for other social contexts, including (a) another area in the world with histories of political violence and (b) a context of community violence in the US.

Abstract P78: Teaching Basic Life Support to School Children in Northern Ireland Using the ’ABC for life’ Programme

Aims: Northern Ireland has one of the highest incidences of ischaemic heart disease in the world. Teaching BLS to school children has previously been recommended. Our aim was to assess if eleven year old children can aquire and retain knowledge of basic life support (BLS) skills six months after a course of instruction (Study 1) and to assess the effectiveness of a three tier ‘peer training’ model using medical students, teachers and pupils (Study 2). This would be a cost effective way of significantly decreasing mortality from out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. Methods: The ‘ABC for Life’ programme is a regional course in BLS training in Northern Ireland specifically designed for 10 –12 year old school children. Medical students are trained as instructors in BLS by cardiac resuscitation officers at a major teaching hospital. Children were given a 22 point questionnaire before training and immediately after training to assess acquisition of BLS, and again six months after training to assess retention of knowledge (Study 1). In study 2, medical students instructed teachers how to teach BLS to their pupils. Pupils were given the same questionnaire to assess knowledge of BLS immediately before and after a teacher led training session at their school. Results: Study 1: Children showed a highly significant increase in knowledge following the training session (46.8% vs 82.7%, p&lt;0.001). Six months later their knowledge remained significantly higher than that of a control group who had never been trained (61.1% vs 46.8%, p&lt;0.01). Study 2: Thirty eight teachers were trained from one education board. The first five children trained at each school were randomly selected. Questionnaires were returned for 44.7% pupils at baseline and 42.1% pupils after training. Mean baseline scores improved significantly after training (57.2% vs 77.7%, p&lt;0.001). Conclusion These studies demonstrate that by using medical students and teachers, a large number of children can be trained in a short time period and at relatively low cost. Children can acquire and retain knowledge of BLS for at least six months. The initiative provides manikins and training resources to all schools. To date, the programme has trained 350 schools. We have commenced research of physical skills using a recordable mainikin.

The Sexual Exploitation of Children and Young People in Northern Ireland: Overview from the Barnardo's Beyond the Shadows Service

The present paper provides an overview of child sexual exploitation in Northern Ireland and related issues. It focuses on Barnardo's response to the problem of sexual exploitation and sets it in both a historical and a contemporary context. The paper considers the importance of recognising exploitation as child abuse and addresses specific myths associated with this. It makes use of recent research and campaigning by Barnardo's to challenge and change public perception. The paper presents a range of risk factors and indicators that are used to identify children and young people who are most likely to experience or be at risk from sexual exploitation. It examines the who, what and why of sexual exploitation of children in Northern Ireland, presenting local research and anecdotal evidence to demonstrate the extent and range of the problem, while acknowledging the often hidden nature of this activity. As well as focusing on young people abused through prostitution, the paper also makes reference to the issue of human trafficking and the increasing problems of abuse via the Internet and mobile phone technology. The paper draws on international human rights standards and domestic legislation in relation to child sexual exploitation and explores the existing legislative context in Northern Ireland. Included is a summary of the Barnardo's Beyond the Shadows Service established to respond to this issue. The paper lays out the four main aims of the service and provides an overview of its work. It concludes by challenging the audience, legislators, policy-makers and service providers to respond strategically and operationally to the experiences and needs of children and young people who are sexually exploited or at risk of this.

Exploring the Anti-bullying Role of a Befriending Peer Support Programme: A Case Study within the Primary School Setting in Northern Ireland

Bullying remains a significant issue in the lives of many primary school children in Northern Ireland and elsewhere. Children are now experiencing direct and indirect bullying as well as cyberbullying, all of which can have significant negative consequences for health and well-being that may persist in the long term into adulthood. Many children do not tell of their bullying experience or seek help and support. While bullying has achieved a higher profile on the policy and practice agenda over the past few years, prevalence and incidence rates have improved little. Peer support programmes have increasingly been identified as an important element of whole school approaches to tackling and preventing bullying. It has been suggested that these programmes contribute by building resilience, promoting friendship and challenging negative peer group roles in bullying behaviour. This paper presents a case study that describes the process by which a befriending peer support intervention was developed in a primary school setting in Northern Ireland. The factors contributing to its role in promoting friendship and countering bullying at the school are presented.

Northern Ireland Tier 4 Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services: A Survey of Admissions to the Child and Family Centre, January 2001–April 2004

In-patient care, provided at Tier 4 level, is a specialised field aimed at provision of high-quality care for young people with serious mental health problems. This survey investigates how the regional in-patient unit for children in Northern Ireland functioned. A retrospective investigation was performed of cases admitted under the care of the lead clinician in the unit during the three-year period from January 2001 until April 2004. There were 115 admissions to in-patient care during the period investigated, 14 of these being re-admissions. Sixty-one young people were from within the Eastern Health and Social Services Board area, 16 were from the Northern Health and Social Services Board area, another 16 were from the Western Health and Social Services Board area and the remaining eight were from the Southern Health and Social Services Board area. The mean length of stay was 10.5 weeks. Nineteen young people admitted were emergency referrals. Forty-five young people fulfilled diagnostic criteria for more than one ICD-10 diagnosis. Thirty-seven young people had experienced permanent parental separation. Ten young people were exposed to violence within the parental relationship. Five young people were on the Child Protection Register and 13 were looked-after children. Eighteen mothers had a history of depression. Eight fathers were noted to have a history of substance misuse and four received other psychiatric diagnoses. In 11 cases there was documented evidence of trauma other than abuse. In conclusion, the Child and Family Centre aims to provide a comprehensive and equitable Tier 4 service for young people and their families. Issues such as distance from the unit affect equity. Future service planning should bear this in mind. Tier 4 adolescent services should be developed to meet the needs of the older adolescent population. Family therapists, child psychotherapists, occupational therapists and dieticians should be recruited as a matter of urgency. There is a need for better liaison with adult mental health services. Northern Ireland requires appropriate therapeutic residential and or community service provision for severely disturbed children.

Lightening can Strike Twice: The Case for the Management and Control of Violent Offenders against Children in Northern Ireland

This paper uses a case example to illustrate the need for robust arrangements manage violent offenders against children in Northern Ireland. It compares the legislative and policy framework used to deal with such offenders in England and Wales, demonstrating the more limited provisions in Northern Ireland. Within Northern Ireland, differing frameworks are used to monitor and manage sexual offenders and non-sexual violent offenders. Experience from the management of sexual offenders has shown that preventative orders are essential to ensure compliance with notification requirements, and in a few cases to restrict, moderate and track the movement and activities of those deemed to pose a high risk. It is our contention that similar preventative orders and notification provisions are overdue in respect of those who pose a risk of serious or repetitive violence to children. Conclusions are drawn and a series of recommendations provided on the necessary legislative and policy changes to help protect children from violent abuse.

Children's Drawings as a Methodological Tool: Reflections on the Eleven Plus System in Northern Ireland

The purpose of this article is to contribute to the growing debates about appropriate methodologies for researching children's lives. I intend to outline the usefulness of using drawings as a methodological tool. This method was one of three used in a study concerned with examining children's experiences of doing the Eleven Plus. This is an exam taken by the majority of 10–11 year old children in Northern Ireland. The advantages and disadvantages of employing drawings in research with children will be explored. Drawing is generally considered by adults to be a common form of expression for children. However, the article will question its relevance as a method of obtaining data on how children view their social worlds.

An appropriate curriculum for 4–5‐year‐old children in Northern Ireland: comparing play‐based and formal approaches

This paper reports on an investigation into the quality of the learning experiences for 4–5‐year‐old children in Northern Ireland schools in the context of the debate about play‐based and formal approaches to learning and teaching. Detailed observations were carried out in 70 Year 1 classes: 38 in traditional Year 1 classes where the Northern Ireland National Curriculum is being delivered, and 32 in Enriched Curriculum classes, where a more developmentally appropriate, play‐based and child‐centred curriculum is being piloted. The quality of the learning experience in each class was assessed using a structured observation schedule, i.e. Walsh and Gardner's Quality learning instrument. Overall the Enriched Curriculum appears to be providing 4–5‐year‐old children in Northern Ireland with a higher‐quality learning experience. The children are given more opportunities to act independently, are engaged in more challenging activities and are more learning disposed, and they show higher levels of emotional, social and physical well‐being. The findings are discussed in terms of what constitutes an appropriate curriculum for this age group.

Ten-year trends for fatness in Northern Irish adolescents: the Young Hearts Projects—repeat cross-sectional study

To examine secular trends in measures of fatness over a 10-y period (the 1990s) in Northern Irish schoolchildren. Repeat cross-sectional surveys. In total, 12- and 15-y-old children randomly selected from post-primary schools. A total of 1015 children studied between 1989 and 1990, and 2017 studied between 1999 and 2001. The same study methods were applied in both surveys. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from height and weight, and percentage body fat (%BF) was derived from skinfold measurements at four sites. Dietary intake was assessed using a diet history method and habitual physical activity (PA) was estimated from a self-report questionnaire. Increases were seen in both height and weight in all age-sex groups. The overall prevalence of overweight/obesity increased from 15.0 to 19.6%, but 12-y-old girls contributed most to this increase (15.9-26.3%), with a modest increase observed also in 15-y-old boys. Increases in mean BMI (19.2-20.3 kg/m2) and mean %BF (25.8-27.1%) were seen in 12-y-old girls, with no significant changes in any of the other subgroups. Mean energy intake increased in girls but not in boys, while mean PA score decreased in 12-y-old girls, but was unchanged in the other three groups. All age-sex groups showed substantial increases in the sugar intake while fat intake increased in girls and decreased in boys. Increases in indices of fatness were seen among school-age children in Northern Ireland during the 1990s. Trends differed between age-sex groups with the largest changes seen in 12-y-old girls. It remains to be seen whether the large increase in overweight/obesity in this group tracks into adulthood, with consequences for chronic disease incidence in women.

At play in Belfast.

At Play in Belfast. Donna M. Lanclos. New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press. 2003. 208 pp. ISBN 0-8135-3322-8. $21.95 (paper). Donna Lanclos provides an in-depth documentation of children's folklore and social identities based on her time on five playgrounds in Belfast. Lanclos spends time with children and provides us with their view in their words. She provides numerous examples of children's songs, rhymes, and games to illustrate her conclusions and bases her analysis within three broad categories of age, gender, and sectarianism. Lanclos does an excellent job with her ethnography, providing a detailed description of her data-gathering strategies and placing all analyses within a theoretical context. She describes the difficulties in watching children and gaining their trust as an adult. The first two chapters provide the reader with background on the research study and the children involved. The introduction is an overview of the study and a definition of folklore. She justifies extremely well the use of folklore studies to examine the lives of children. It also summarizes the research conducted on children in Northern Ireland and how this study compares. The author's initial assumptions are provided and how her views evolved throughout the process. Chapter 1 provides the reader with an overview of what the researcher's day was like and the general activities that the children were involved in during their time on the playgrounds. It grounds the reader and helps to place the remaining quotes and examples in the context of the overall day of the children. Many parents and teachers will recognize their own children's activities in the examples. Chapter 2 begins an analysis of the children's rude talk on the playgrounds and how children view the line between childhood and adulthood. Lanclos analyzes the societal view of an innocent childhood and how children construct a different set of values than the adults around them. She does an excellent job describing the children's view of talk and placing it in context of what adults want and expect of children. Rather than assuming, as many adults do, that children do not know about dirty topics, Lanclos lets the children tell her what they know. This chapter also begins an exploration of the talk around violence in these children's lives. Chapter 3 focuses on how the children divide themselves into groups based on gender. As expected, gender is very important to the children, and many of the folklore rhymes focus on the roles of males and females. Lanclos's analysis of the children's games and rhymes provides a clear grounding that children all over are in some ways the same-boys and girls are different. She also emphasizes the particular societal culture that these children exist in and the apparent contradictions in their play and the adult world around them. …

Protestants and the Irish Language: Historical Heritage and Current Attitudes in Northern Ireland

The Irish language has long been regarded in the popular mind as a correlate of Irish nationalism. A model expounded by the sociolinguist, Joshua Fishman, is applied to the evolution of Irish as a nationalist icon, and it is demonstrated that its divisive potential developed only gradually. In fact, it was an object of affection and admiration for many influential 19th century Protestants and unionists. In the 20th century, the language became increasingly polarised for political ends, and after Partition was largely rejected in the education system as experienced by unionist children in Northern Ireland. It is argued that such an overwhelmingly anglocentric orientation, not just in language, but also in history and geography, has paradoxically served to exacerbate the Troubles. It has alienated unionists from cultural capital which rightfully and historically belongs to both traditions, and in so doing has promoted a 'frontier mentality' among them. Somewhat in a spirit of definition by opposition, they are currently turning to Ulster-Scots; yet by adopting a more positive attitude towards Irish, unionists would simultaneously reconnect with their historical roots, and might deprive the language of its potential as a political weapon to be used against them.

Disabled Facilities Grants: Are they Meeting the Assessed Needs of Children in Northern Ireland?

Emerging evidence from the literature suggests that the Disabled Facilities Grant means test may result in some families withdrawing from the grants process because they cannot afford to proceed with the essential housing adaptations recommended by occupational therapists for their children. A preliminary investigation was undertaken by occupational therapists in Northern Ireland to identify both the scale of this phenomenon and the issues relating to the monitoring of withdrawals. It found that families are withdrawing from the Disabled Facilities Grant system for both financial and non-financial reasons and that an interagency study with appropriate housing providers is required to assess fully the scale and outcome of unmet need.

Listening To Children, Speaking For Children: Health and Social Services Complaints and Child Advocacy

Health and Personal Social Services are required to respond positively and effectively to complaints from service users. This paper discusses the importance of such complaints systems in upholding children's rights, and in particular Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. It outlines the nature of some of the advocacy services available to children and young people who may wish to make a complaint about their treatment within Northern Ireland Health and Personal Social Services. It then moves on to discuss some possible future developments, and in particular speculates on the potential role of the Northern Ireland Children's Commissioner in investigating complaints concerning the care and treatment of children in Northern Ireland health and personal social services.

Child Abuse and the Media: Naming and Shaming

In Northern Ireland there are unacceptable high levels of all forms of abuse and little real investment or political will in pre-devolutional context to tackle the causes behind it. In relation to sexual abuse in 2000/2001 (Personal Social Services and Related Statistics DHSSPS) over 700 sexual offences were reported to the police. Putting it another way, in any average week in Northern Ireland 2 children will be raped and a further 10 indecently assaulted. In human terms it is a truly staggering figure. To comprehensively tackle the structural causes of sex abuse of children in Northern Ireland, it is necessary to bring about a cultural change at a number of different levels in our society. This was the reason the NSPCC in 1999 launched its Full Stop Campaign , one of its key components being to bring about government and public change through high profile campaigns including those in the media.

Child oral health promotion experiences in Northern Ireland.

It is a curious state of affairs that the children in Northern Ireland (NI) compared with their counterparts in the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain have some of the worst dental health.

Child oral health promotion experiences in Northern Ireland

It is a curious state of affairs that the children in Northern Ireland (NI) compared with their counterparts in the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain have some of the worst dental health.