The Childhood Phase of a Person - Essay Example

The Childhood Phase of a Person Introduction The assurance of protecting and supporting the health and welfare of children while attending schools has been a critical concern from the perspective of children’s rights. The schools are important parts of the growth of children. Children learn the basic rules of safety, discipline, knowledge and judgment from their schooling activities. There are many laws formulated with the aim of differentiating between the acceptable and non-acceptable norms of schooling which are aimed at guiding the children, schools and the parents. Along with providing proper education and knowledge, schools should aim to ensure safety and well-being of the students and encourage co-curricular activities to support the overall development and growth of the children. Discussion Childhood The childhood phase of a person is developed through his activities in a school. The major part of the childhood of a person is spent in the schools. The preliminary and secondary schools are the basic foundations on which the overall values, goals and personality of a person are developed. However, special care must be taken by the schools as organizations to foster the well-being and safety of the children attending their schools. Transition from one school to another may be a new experience for the children which involves stress and requires adjustment on the part of the children1. A transition phase encompasses the loss of old friendships formed in the schools and finding their place in a new environment. These may add to the worry of the children when joining a new school. The adjustment of the children in the new environments should also be supported by the schools so that the children can deal with the stress and imbalances associated with the transition process. The sports activities and social activities in secondary schools can support the children to become adjusted and involved in the new environment easily. Also, the people at home may also be helpful in guiding and supporting the children in adapting to the transition process more easily. Managing the emotional and physical health of children is necessary to ensure that they do not succumb to the stress caused by the transition phase. Health Schools not only play an influential role in the learning and development of children but they are equally important in developing hygienic concerns and healthy outlooks from the early years of the children. The schools play important roles in shaping up the good habits of the children with respect to hygiene, health and safety. This also prepares the children for a healthy life ahead. Often schools provide healthy meals to children from low income families so that their health issues are resolved to a certain extent. Some schools also provide health benefits to the local communities by acting as beneficiaries in local sports clubs and activities. In both the developing and developed countries, many schools provide meals to children from deprived and backward families to ensure that the heaths of the children are not compromised on. The schools also ensure the provision of safe drinking water and cleanliness and hygiene in the toilets. The schools can improve the health and welfare of the students by conducting exercise classes, providing healthy mid-day meals and by providing clean drinking water. Law According to the legal frameworks in most countries, it is mandatory to provide children with basic education facilities. It is the right of the children to attend school in their early years and this should be adequately supported by the parents as well. In the year 1988, the national curriculum was set up with the aim of providing a guideline for the subjects to be taught as mandatory in different state controlled schools. The Education Act of 1996 states that the parents can choose to educate their children at home if certain conditions are fulfilled. Truancy has emerged as a major concern in the schools across the globe. Suitable laws have been implemented to prevent truancy in the schools. However, it is not only the responsibility of the school authorities and the teachers to remove truancy; it is also the responsibility of the parents to resolve such issues. Physical punishment was common in schools from early days. However, in response to the physical damages that may be caused to the students by physical punishment, it has been prohibited in the state schools. The physical punishments may be deterrent to health and it is expected from the teachers that they reinforce discipline among the students through the use of their teaching methods and verbal ways of communication. Summary The health and welfare of a student in a school can be maintained by giving appropriate attention to the health and schooling activities while complying with the existing laws with respect to education and children’s rights. The schools should keep in mind the tenderness associated with childhood and try to support the children to adapt to new conditions while teaching and educating them. The schools as well as the parents should encourage disciplinary practices, growth of ideas and formation of positive opinions among the children so that they can evolve in a positive manner. Also, suitable amenities and environment should be provided to ensure the health and safety of the children. The schools should aim at supporting the vulnerable pupils and provide the extra care needed by them so that they can develop from an early age. The laws guiding the conduct of schools, students and parents should be complied with so as to ensure that the ultimate objectives of schooling and education are achieved. Conclusion Thus, it can be identified that the health and welfare of a child can be maintained and protected through the concern of the school authorities as well as through the parents and the teachers sharing balanced responsibilities. The schools should take effective steps to provide wellness and safety to their pupils along with the proviso of knowledge and education. Different physical activities, health awareness programs and facilities should be provided in schools to ensure that the children become more concerned towards their safety and more aware of health issues. This would help to develop healthy habits and would also pave the way for creating a balanced and safe society. References Atherton J. S. Learning and Teaching; Piaget’s Developmental Theory. 2011. http://www.learningandteaching.info/learning/piaget.htm. [Accessed on 31 May 2014]. Read More