Access to healthcare is improving but leaves much to be desired. In disadvantaged neighborhoods, solidarity is essential but a third of young people do not have access to a hospital.
Far from received ideas. Young people from disadvantaged neighborhoods are pretty comfortable in their sneakers. The majority of them evoke a solidarity between the inhabitants of their block of buildings. They play sports, eat a balanced diet, and have access to health care. Seen from the inside, life in a sensitive neighborhood is therefore not so dark. The picture drawn up is in fact rather bright, on reading the last report ofUnicef France. But gray areas persist, especially in the area of health.
Lack of local hospitals
For the first time, the consultation for 6-18 year olds delivered by the French branch of the United Nations Children’s Fund distinguishes between favored and non-advantaged places of residence. More than 22,000 children agreed to participate in the question-and-answer game that was offered to them.
In poor neighborhoods, daily life is like that of almost any student.
Many school children are afraid of failure, but they are supported by their parents and can find help if needed. As proof: 67% and 55% say they are valued respectively by their mother and father. “Striking figures, much higher than those of the more affluent districts”, recognizes Unicef.
However, these young people are not exempt from inequalities. The health sector is a glaring example. 28% of the children questioned are deprived of access to healthcare. In detail, a significant proportion of children do not have access to a school nurse (36%) or do not have a nearby hospital (34%). Primary care is still provided: almost all schoolchildren can see a doctor if necessary (92%) and a large majority see a dentist regularly (79%). This remains insufficient, in the eyes of Unicef France.
A lack of prevention
These deficiencies do not prevent children from disadvantaged neighborhoods from eating a balanced diet. Almost all receive three meals a day. Slightly fewer say they consume meat or fish at least once a day (89%). Likewise, daily access to fresh fruits and vegetables is assured in most cases. A good behavior which is not found in the consumption of addictive substances or at risk for health.
Among 6-18 year olds surveyed, 11% smoke and more drink alcohol to the point of intoxication. More worryingly, one in ten uses drugs and 6% smoke cannabis. The fault, undoubtedly, with a prevention which sins by its absence. In fact, only half of the children claim to have benefited from information sessions on the risks of these products. Side sexually transmitted infections, it is not better. Too many adolescents say they have difficulty accessing condoms. Financial reasons are mentioned in one out of two cases.
Morale at half mast
Extracurricular activities are lacking in disadvantaged neighborhoods. The impact on the minds of young people is real: those who do not benefit are four times more at risk of anxiety at the idea of failure at school. Moreover, in these areas, the morale of children and adolescents is rather gloomy. 73% say they regularly have the blues and half have no taste for anything. Result: suicidal thoughts are relatively frequent (22%). This could explain the use of psychoactive substances.
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