We mustn’t ignore child health crises

CHILDREN face health challenges that were not on Aneurin Bevan’s radar at the time of the founding of the NHS seven decades ago.

One of Wales’ most respected doctors, Dr David Tuthill, takes up his position as the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health’s new officer for Wales as concern mounts about the influence of social media, obesity and mental health.

Unless serious problems are challenged at an early age, why should we think Wales’ youngest citizens would not suffer from similar challenges as adults?

Dr Tuthill describes obesity as the “greatest public health threat facing this country”. It is worrying – but sadly no longer surprising – to hear that more than a quarter (27%) of children are classified as overweight or obese.

This puts them at risk of developing conditions as wide-ranging as sleep problems, asthma and diabetes. We are failing our children if Wales does not address this crisis; how can devolution be judged a success if children in this nation are not significantly healthier as a result of so many powers now being in Cardiff?

But responsibility cannot be dumped at a minister’s door. All of us need to think as parents, relations and friends of children in our communities how we can help them avoid unnecessary health risks.

Quite simply, children are at risk of severe pain if we continue to give them sugary foods.

Dr Tuthill warned that “poor dental health can cause toothache, dental infections as well as affect a child’s ability to sleep, speak and eat.” Tooth decay affects a third of five-year-olds and is “the biggest reason why children under five go to hospital for a general anaesthetic”.

Our young people also face new threats to their well-being, with a quarter having experienced “something upsetting” on social networking sites.

Bullies in different generations have found new ways to torment their peers, but the online revolution means they continue taunting a child once he or she makes it back to the supposed safety of the family home. Too much screen time, Dr Tuthill points out, is linked to “increased weight, sleep deprivation and depressive symptoms”.

We are used to talking about challenges facing the NHS, but these health problems will not be tackled until there is a culture change across all of Wales. We need to lead the world by example.