Introduction

It is also important to consider, alongside these modern epidemics, a legacy of the twentieth century, the effect on children of living in today’s world. The dramatic rise in the divorce rate has increased the proportion of children living in one-parent households whilst the widening gap between rich and poor has excluded some sections of the population from participating fully in society. Greater cultural diversity has resulted in the subjection of some groups within the population to the threats of racism and discrimination. These cultural and socio-economic factors can have an adverse effect on children’s mental, physical and social health. Poor health can affect children’s motivation to learn and, importantly, reduce their ability to make the most of the opportunities available to them. Thus, the seeds of social exclusion are sown early.