Tag Archives: children

Growing Up In Ireland survey reveals worrying child obesity rates

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Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire Deputy, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, has today (Tuesday) said the results of the Growing Up In Ireland survey, which measures, among other things, the level of obesity among Irish children, are worrying and indicate the amount of work that has to be done in educating parents and addressing this critical health issue.

The Growing Up in Ireland survey examines the factors contributing to and undermining the well-being of Irish five year olds with a view to formatting policy and services that best suits our children’s needs. The results are the first of their kind for this age group.

“Findings from the Growing Up In Ireland survey show that one in five children are overweight or obese, and that this figure increases to one in four for those aged three. These are exceptionally worrying statistics which are storing up chronic health problems for our children later in life.

“I recently attended a conference which focused on the nutrition a child receives in the first 1,000 days of his/her life; from conception to two years old. The impact of the decisions we make in terms of what we feed our children and the encouragement we give them to lead more active lives lays the foundations for the their future health.

“Conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure and certain cancers are all linked to obesity and being overweight and we can greatly reduce a child’s chance of suffering from ill health if we take their nutrition seriously and give it the attention it deserves.

“Safefood recently launched a campaign aimed at educating parents to make certain lifestyle changes associated with portion sizes for children, the amount of sugary drinks we give them and the amount of screen time they are allowed. It is so unfair to give our children such a poor start in life simply by giving them the wrong foods.

“As the principal of a National School, I saw first-hand how important good nutrition was in giving children the best possible opportunity to develop and concentrate. And the children who had a good breakfast before coming to school were easily identifiable from those who did not.

“The results of this survey, which has been commissioned by the Minister for Children, Frances Fitzgerald TD, give us a magnificent insight into the areas that need most attention, allowing us to chart the best way forward for our children. It is evident from the results published today that childhood obesity must be prioritised to ensure that we are not storing up problems for the future.”

Nutrition during first 1,000 days dictates health for the rest of a child’s life

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Fine Gael Dún Laoghaire TD, Mary Mitchell O’ Connor, has highlighted the importance of good nutrition during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life. Deputy Mitchell O’Connor was speaking at a medical symposium in Dublin today titled Nutrition in the First 1,000 Days.

“The nourishment that we give our children for the first 1,000 days of their lives will dictate their health or otherwise for the rest of their lives. Early life nutrition dictates whether or not your baby grows up to:

· be a healthy or unhealthy adult;
· be obese;
· have heart disease;
· have diabetes.

“In encouraging women in this regard, a focus needs to be placed on supporting women to eat well during pregnancy, to breastfeed for as long as possible and to take the appropriate steps for weaning and then for feeding a toddler.

“By the time the baby is born, it has been nourished for almost 300 days. This, combined with combined with the nutrition they will receive for the next 700 days will affect their health for the rest of their lives.

“Breast milk is commonly known as the ‘magic potion for health’ and there is irrefutable evidence that breast-fed babies are less likely to be obese and less likely to develop health problems, such as high cholesterol, diabetes and stroke in their adult lives.

“Yet Ireland still ranks way down the international breast-feeding scale, with fewer than half of new Irish mothers initiating breast-feeding, compared to 80% in the UK and 90% in the Scandinavian countries. As a community, we need to eliminate the stigma surrounding breast-feeding that has existed in Ireland for so long.

“Every year 2,000 people die in Ireland due to obesity related diseases. That is about ten times the average number of people who are killed on our roads. These people don’t need to die because of bad nutrition. The annual cost of obesity is estimated to be a staggering €1.13 billion.

“As a society, we need to focus more on the importance of early life nutrition. As a legislator and member of the Oireachtas Health Committee, I will do everything I can to promote this hugely important message.”

11/11/2013

Mitchell O’Connor urges parents to engage with children about online activity

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Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire Deputy, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, has today (Wednesday) called on parents to fully engage with their children about their internet activity in a bid to ensure their safety online.

Deputy Mitchell O’Connor was speaking following the publication of a report by security company, McAfee, which outlined that more than half of the 200 Irish teenagers who were surveyed admitted to wiping their browsing history in order to hide online behaviour from their parents.

“By clearing their internet history in a bid to conceal exactly what they having been doing online, children have no idea of the line of fire they may be putting themselves in. While the world has irrevocably changed in the last 20 years, many children’s belief that they can handle themselves and identify hazardous situations most likely has not.

“But the grim reality is that 20 years ago, when a 14 year old girl was talking to a 15 year old boy she knew that to be the case. Today, a 14 year old girl can assume that she is chatting with a 15 year old boy online, when in fact it is a 60 year old man she is engaged in conversation with.

“The internet has added to our lives in ways we cannot measure. But it is an incredibly dangerous place, especially for our young people, who, irrespective of their maturity, are incapable of identifying the surreptitious and stealthy actions of adults who are intent on engaging them in activities unsuited to their years.

“Our young people are also exceptionally vulnerable when it comes to dealing with the level of aggression and abuse they may come into contact with in chat rooms and via other fora.

“I am urging parents to talk to their children about their on-line behaviour and to impress upon them the need to be open and transparent about their activities. Going online with your child and role playing with them about what they would do in certain situations, if they came across something inappropriate or upsetting, is a good way to communicate with them and to give them the tools to enable them to cope.”

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Mary Mitchell O’Connor: System is letting down women – and their children

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The best possible nutritional option for a child in the first 1,000 days of their life is breast milk. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Department of Health both recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and up until two years in addition to the introduction of complementary solid foods.

Research has shown that breastfeeding for 26 weeks or more is associated with a 51pc reduction in the risk of obesity. Breastfeeding can also contribute to a lifetime of good health, helping to lower blood pressure, cholesterol and help stave off type-2 diabetes in later life.

Why then, when the benefits are so profound, are only 56pc of women currently initiating breastfeeding in Ireland? This compares poorly when considered against other European countries. Figures from the UK suggest that 81pc of mothers initiate breastfeeding there. This figure soars to above 90pc in most Scandinavian states (ESRI, 2012).

The number of mothers exclusively breastfeeding upon discharge from hospital in Ireland is only 46pc. And this falls to 22.7pc by the time infants are three months old.

With the majority of women leaving hospital within three days of giving birth, why are the rates of breastfeeding within that timeframe falling by 10pc? Why do they fall again so quickly within the first three months?

Obviously, the level of support required for new mothers is simply not being provided. What is needed is both emotional and practical support. While the benefits of breastfeeding are clear, it is also known to be difficult and challenging – particularly when dealing with all the other emotions and physical challenges presented immediately following the birth of a child.

A focused response to help increase initial initiation rates is needed as well as a programmatic approach to helping promote, support and encourage mothers who start the process to keep it up for as long as possible.

Research indicates that in order for mothers to be successful at breastfeeding, many support structures are necessary for both initiation and duration. Additional education and public information programmes to highlight the profound impact that breastfeeding will have on the the long-term health of your child is the first step.

Outside of that, we need lactation experts within the hospital system as well as amongst the public health community – visiting our new mothers and being available to give them the immediate help that they need during those difficult first days and weeks.

Public health nurses, practice nurses, GPs and community support groups must provide practical support on preparing and initiating breastfeeding. All healthcare professionals in contact with expectant mothers should provide information on the benefits of breastfeeding and offer practical advice on preparing to breastfeed. By planning ahead, the likelihood of success is increased dramatically.

The length of maternity leave that a woman takes is a major determinant of how long women will breastfeed. Returning to work part time increases the risk of stopping breastfeeding by 150pc, while returning full time increases the risk by 230pc. Employers need to be aware of the best practice guidelines developed by the Department of Health and ensure they do what they can to facilitate mothers who wish to continue to breastfeed.

See www.breastfeeding.ie and www.who.int for support and further information on breastfeeding.

Irish Independent

http://www.independent.ie/opinion/analysis/mary-mitchell-oconnor-system-is-letting-down-women-and-their-children-29709871.html

2013 Back to School Clothing & Footwear Allowance (BSCFA) Scheme

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The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BTSCFA) helps you meet the cost of uniforms and footwear for children going to school.

You (the parent or guardian) must be getting certain social welfare payments or taking part in training, employment or adult education schemes and your child/ren must be aged between 4 and 22 on or before 30 September of the year you apply.

The BSCFA entitlements of some 115,000 families in respect of approx. 207,000 children have now been established with reference to their primary scheme entitlement, with no application form required.  Letters issued to the people concerned informing them of their entitlement.  These customers can collect their BSCFA payment this week (week commencing 16 July) on the same day as their normal weekly payment.

Customers who did not receive an automated payment are now required to complete an application form which will be processed from a centralised unit in the Department’s office in Letterkenny.  The Allowance is means tested so customers who are in receipt of benefit payments, on Community Employment or Back to Work schemes will be required to complete an application form.

The BSCFA section is processing claims which were received in July at present.  Payment in respect of these claims will issue on a daily basis as they are decided so the majority of customers who have an entitlement to the allowance will receive their payment in July.

Forms are available from Local Offices, via SMS (text “Form BTSCFA” followed by your name and address to 51909) and on www.welfare.ie.  A phone bank is operational to deal with queries on the scheme. The LOCALL number is 1890662244.

 

Mary Mitchell O’Connor TD

19th July 2013

 

 

State of the Nation’s Children Report

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The State of the Nations Children’s Report has been published.  Compiled by the Dept of Children and Youth Affairs in association with the Central Statistics Office and the Health Promotion Research Centre at National University of Ireland, Galway, it presents administrative, survey and census data on children’s lives.

Some of the key findings include –

– The child population of Ireland increased by 13.4% between 2002 and 2011 (Census of the Population, 2011).
– Approximately 1 in 6 children in Ireland live in a lone-parent household.
– Almost 6% of the child population in Ireland have a disability.
– There has been a significant decrease in the percentage of 15-year-old children who report that their parents discuss with them how well they are doing at school.
– There has been a significant decrease in the percentage of 15-year-old children who report that their parents eat a main meal with them around a table.
– The percentage of children aged 10-17 who report never smoking has increaded from 50.8% in 1998 to 73.5% in 2010.
– The percentage of children aged 10-17 who report never having had an alcoholic drink increased from approximately 40% in 2002 to 54% in 2010.
– Children in Ireland have one of the highest levels of physical activity among 40 WHO countries and regions.
– 83.6% of newborn babies were visited by a Public Health Nurse within 48 hours of discharge from hospital for the first time.

 

 

Click here to download the document.

International Women’s Day presents opportunity to highlight domestic violence

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Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire Deputy, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, has today (Thursday) said that International Women’s Day not only gives us a chance to celebrate women’s social, economic and political achievements, it also presents us with an opportunity to look at how we are providing for those suffering domestic violence.

“International Women’s Day offers us a chance to reflect on the contribution women make to public life and life in general. Sadly, it also is a time to reflect on the number of women who are suffering at the hands of abusive partners.

“Safe Ireland launched their One Day Census of Domestic Violence Services 2011 today in a bid to highlight the plight of the victims of domestic abuse. The census found that on one particular day (4th of November 2011), 770 women and children received support from a domestic violence service. The other findings include the fact that on this day:

    • 127 help line calls were received;
    • 499 women and children were living in a refuge or supported housing;
    • 10 women could not be accommodated in refuge because there was not enough room;
    • 10 women receiving support were known to be pregnant and
    • 11 women who received support were over 65 years of age.


“These figures demonstrate the prevalence of domestic violence in Ireland today, which undoubtedly portrays a depressing picture. However, they are encouraging to some degree in that they illustrate that the social stigma around domestic violence has eased somewhat and that women are taking back control of their lives and seeking support.

“In days gone by, many women would have feared seeking help due to fears of condemnation from their families and local communities. Our ability and willingness to empathise and care for others has thankfully evolved.

“I have continually raised women’s issues in the Dáil and throughout my political career. The gender pay imbalance and lack of women being appointed to senior positions in business and on State boards are two of the issues I have attempted to shine a light on. Domestic violence is, however, the issue that is closest to my heart.

“Ireland has 20 refuge centres with a total of 144 beds, meeting only a third of the Council of Europe requirements; an issue that needs to be addressed. I will be working with my colleagues in Government to ensure that the issue of domestic abuse against women, and men, is brought out into the open and that adequate resources are put in place to deal with it.”

Benefits of bedtime stories should be signalled to parents on World Book Day

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Speaking on the eve of World book Day, Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire Deputy and Chair of the FG Committee on Education, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, said the benefits of reading a bedtime story with a child should be flagged with parents in the interest of encouraging reading for enjoyment by children at an early age.

“The foundations of good literacy are established in childhood but all too often good reading habits are not encouraged at an early stage, to the detriment of our children in later life. World Book Day takes place tomorrow, the main aim of which is to encourage children to explore the pleasures of books by providing children with school packs and book tokens.

“A 2009 report entitled ‘Growing up in Ireland – The Lives of 9 year olds’ found that boys reported a lower incidence of reading for fun than girls, with 25% of boys reporting reading for fun every day compared to 36% of girls. Eight percent of boys reported never reading for fun, compared to just three percent of girls. The responsibility for the education of our children does not lie just with our schools. Parents have a critical role to play in encouraging children to read from an early age. The benefits of reading at home will help children to realise their full potential and will stand to them throughout the course of their lives.

“Reading to children stimulates their development and gives them a head start when they reach school. Sharing a bedtime story with a child also promotes their motor skills, through learning to turn the pages, and enhances memory. It also improves emotional and social development.

“Reading allowed is a period of shared attention and emotion between a parent and a child which reinforces reading as a pleasurable activity. I am lucky enough to have fond memories of my mother reading to me as a child; listening to her read Enid Blyton books allowed and getting lost in the fabulous illustrations.

“At the end of the day knowledge is power and to unlock this power good literacy skills are essential. The foundations of good literacy are established in childhood, a point which should be hammered home to parents while their children enjoy World Book Day tomorrow.”

Growing Up in Ireland Report outlines what teachers have known for years

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Taking an interest in child’s reading habits at home can improve literacy levels.

Commenting on the Growing Up in Ireland – ‘Influences on 9-Year-Olds’ Learning: Home, School and Community’ Report launched yesterday, Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire Deputy, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, said parents have a significant role to play in increasing literacy levels in children.

“Over the last 10 years, numeracy and literacy levels in our children have dropped significantly; a fact clearly borne out by successive Pupil International Student Assessment (PISA) Reports.

“While there is a need to closely examine how our children are being taught in classrooms, focusing on goal setting and progressing students’ learning, there is a considerable amount to be gained if parents take the time to encourage reading in the home and to nurture their child’s learning skills.

“This report found that while literacy skills are, by and large, initially developed in school, these skills can be reinforced by reading outside school, either with parents or independently. It found that less than half (47%) of nine year olds had read something with their parents in the last week and that the children who read with their parents reaped the rewards as they reported a higher frequency of reading for pleasure.*

“It was also found that children who read at home, unsurprisingly, do better in school than the children who sit in front of the telly all day.

“In my experience as a primary school teacher, I have found that generally people want what is best for their children but are sometimes constrained in delivering that objective. This Government is funding a new Literacy and Numeracy Programme and this month the first children’s citywide reading project was launched in Dublin by Dublin City Libraries and Dublin UNESCO City of Literature to encourage 4th and 5th class students to read and to have fun doing so.

“Taking an active part in a child’s after school activity and taking the time to read with your child could improve his or her learning capacity, and ultimately their opportunities down the line, dramatically. Every parent in the country should be encouraged to do just that.”
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*76% of those who read with their parents read for fun at least a few times a week compared with 67% of those who did not read with their parents. –