Toxic

Childhood

The views of Sue Palmer

there are alarming signs of toxic childhood

Palmer in Toxic Childhood (2006) argues that

there are alarming symptoms of unhappiness in
modern childhood.

Palmer points to an
increase in ADHD,
substance abuse and
self-harm.

According to Palmer the trend to toxic childhood

is the result of;

i) unhealthy food
ii) a lack of play in natural
surroundings
iii) poor sleep patterns
iv) little time to interact
within the family
v) decline in emotional
security

Palmers research indicates that children are

being deprived of traditional childhood and family
life;
every year children
become more
distractible, impulsive
and self-obsessed.
They are less able to
learn, to enjoy life and
to thrive socially.

Palmer notes that all of the negative trends are

reversible. Furthermore, she points to examples
across Britain and Europe of groups actively
creating a detox childhood.

In order to detox childhood in Britain what

would you do?