Risking our kids

Spent the last fortnight on leave, which was a great time for renewal and refreshment but while on my break I watched a documentary called “Risking our Kids” on ABC1. You can check it out here. The documentary focused on the work of Fiona Stanley and her belief that our children and young people are in the midst on a crisis.

Amongst our affluence our children will more than likely live shorter lives than we will. Childhood rates of diabetes, respiratory disease, obesity and behavioural disorders are on the increase, one in four children suffer from mental health issues. Fiona states that “Behind the statistics that I talk about are the tragedies of kids who aren’t going to make it”. One of the key concerns expressed is that this tragedy is being quietly ignored by people and the government, flying under the radar both in terms of funding and strategic intent in planning for the future.

There is some sobering information in the documentary. There is also good news that pro-active involvement with children and young people can make a massive difference in young peoples lives. It was this good news that has me keen to see Christians and the church engage this issue with vigor and passion.