Toxic Childhood Analysis

Sue palmer’s “Toxic Childhood” (2006) argues that contemporary culture has resulted in toxic childhood syndrome and that childhood is in need of detoxification. She claims that, every year children become more distractible, impulsive and self-obsessed – less able to learn, to enjoy life, to thrive socially. Technology devices determine children of as of today, watching too much television, unsafe environments/streets, unhealthy junk food, irregular sleep patterns, constant exposure to advertising and celebrity culture, violent media, lack of interaction, socializing with peers and exposure to dangerous people through the internet. (Curtis and Pettigrew, 2009). In my practice, the school teaches children how to stay safe on line as part of the

However, he also emphasises that not all backgrounds are valued equally by society, or by teachers in schools. Bourdieu argues that the ideal type of student imagined by teachers is modelled on middle class values, expectations and experiences. He argues that whole schools are saturated with middle and upper class cultures so much that lower class children are likely to feel immediately out of place, which is why it is important that Early Years practitioners should consider ethical issues to promote the wellbeing of children. (Curtis and Pettigrew, 2009) as a professional practitioner, I partially disagree and agree with Bourdieu’s work. Firstly, I disagree that teachers discriminate children based on their values and expectations due to the fact that teachers and all those who are working with children and young people are bound by legislation to respect the rights of children, young people and their families, ensuring that all children feel included, secure and valued. My practice adheres to the Equality Act 2010, to ensure that children are not discriminated and furthermore to help achieve equal opportunities. (Equality Act 2012). And The United Nations Conventions on the Rights of the Child (1983), Article 28 states “ children have the right to a good quality education “ and Article 29 states “ your educator should help you use and develop your talents and abilities “. (UNCRC