Children's perspectives on child well-being : a pathway to sustainable futures

Abstract

Child well-being is associated with positive outcomes in life, therefore, promoting children’s well-being can lead to sustainable futures for them. The goal of this study was to explore children’s perspectives on child well-being, thus their subjective well-being, as existing studies on child well-being are mostly based on adult perspectives. Authors indicate the following domains of children’s subjective well-being: physical, mental, social, material, relational, educational, and environmental well-being. South African children are exposed to numerous social problems such as poverty, crime, and family disintegration, which have negative effects on their well-being. Focusing on children’s subjective views, the study was based on an interpretivist research paradigm and a qualitative research approach. Applied research was relevant as the research findings could be used by social workers and other social service professionals for planning interventions to enhance children’s well-being. An instrumental case study design guided the study to gain a better understanding of the phenomenon of child well-being. As part of a group research project, the inclusion criteria were stated as children in middle childhood between the ages of 8 and 12 years, who could converse in English, and for whom informed consent and assent have been obtained. The study sample consisted of eleven children between the ages of 10 and 12 years recruited by means of purpose and snowball sampling. Data were collected by means of semi-structured interviews with the use of an interview schedule and visual communication cards and were analysed through thematic data analysis. The participants gave their views on how children would look like if they experienced well-being and viewed parents as the primary role players in ensuring children’s well-being. Other role players, including siblings, grandparents, friends, and teachers; resources in children’s immediate and wider social environment; and clean, safe neighbourhoods and non-polluted natural environments were identified as important for children to live well. All these elements reflect the ecological systems theory that formed the theoretical framework for the study. It is important to hear children’s voices on conditions that can enhance their well-being. Social workers can advocate for children’s well-being and provide services on all ecological levels to promote child well-being and contribute to sustainable futures. Further research on child well-being is recommended, for example with larger study samples, different age groups, and in different social contexts in South Africa.