Children’s wellbeing |06 June 2026

Our children are our future – literally. Ensuring that our children are born, and grow up in an environment free from war, hardship and abuse is not just the ideal but also a moral obligation. 

International Children's Day celebrated annually on June 1, in many countries worldwide, is a special day that not only serves as a celebration of children but a reminder for all of us to promote children’s welfare and protection.

The emergence of the day itself traces back to the World Conference for the wellbeing of children in August 1925, in Geneva, when representatives from 54 countries came together to discuss the wellbeing of children, and where the idea of an annual day to promote children’s welfare was first discussed. The result was the adoption of the Geneva Declaration on the Protection of Children. Following the conference, some countries designated a day, as Children's Day that they felt was more relevant to their context as there was no specific date recommended.

The date of June 1 came about on June 1, 1950 following the ‘Women's International Democratic Federation’s congress in Moscow that took place in 1949, which declared the day as ‘The International Day for Protection of Children’. This day is now adopted by many countries globally, including here in Seychelles.

International Children’s Day is often seen as just ‘fun and games’ and although this is a great part of the day’s celebration, there are additional reasons why it is important. It serves as a reminder for global leaders to reflect on how well they are looking after the wellbeing of children. Children have the right to receive affection, understanding, food, medical care, education, and protection from all forms of exploitation, regardless of their race, colour, gender, religion, or social background. Children are our most important asset, as they represent the next generation. A good starting point in ensuring that we are looking after children’s wellbeing is what they eat. It is not enough to give children access to food. As adults, we need to ensure that we are giving children the right types (quality) and amount (quantity) of food to ensure that they thrive.

Importance of diet quality on children’s development

The food that we give to our children in the early years sets the foundation for lifelong eating habits. As parents, we are responsible for establishing good eating habits for our children. After all, we buy the food that our children eat. A young child only becomes aware of a specific food when we introduce it to them. This is where diet quality comes in.

The food that we eat at home as a family including what we give to our children should include a variety of foods from all food groups. It should be nutritious with a focus on whole, natural and minimally processed foods. It should also be of the right amount to provide the body with enough energy and essential nutrients. There should be minimal intake of fatty, salty and sugary foods.

In line with recommendations from the Seychelles Food Guide, children should consume plant foods like fruits, vegetables, wholegrains like oats, corn and brown rice, tubers like cassava and sweet potato, local starches like breadfruit and plantains, lentils, beans, nuts and seeds. Children should also consume animal sources like fish, chicken, eggs, milk, yoghurt, and cheese. A variety of plant and animal sources will provide your child with energy and nutrients like protein, vitamins and minerals that will support their growth and development.

Many parents introduce highly processed prepackaged foods that are high in sugar, salt, saturated fats and additives, when their children are too young. Examples include fizzy drinks like Cola, juices, cordial, energy drinks, chocolate, sweets, biscuits, pastries, crisps, processed meats like luncheon meat, corned beef, ham, salami, frankfurters and fast food options like pizza, burger, hot dog, chips. Although these products are appealing, palatable and seemingly convenient, they can lead to a range of health problems. Overconsumption of these foods can lead to overweight and obesity as well as dental carries in children. It can also have a negative impact on their growth, as most of these foods are high in energy but do not contain essential nutrients. Limit these foods only to a special occasion, if at all.

Limit screen use

Nowadays many young children, even below one year have access to some form of gadget – be it a tablet, phone or television. Children exposed to excessive screen time have a higher chance of having adverse impact on their brain development.

Behavioural problems

Many parents turn to a gadget as a way of dealing with tantrums or keeping their child quiet for some time. Conversely, excessive screen use can cause aggression, anxiety and hyperactivity. Some children, especially when older may also resort to a screen to cope with social or emotional problems. Other children may have shorter attention spans and have short-term memory.

Language delays

The use of screen provides a unidirectional form of communication – from the screen to the child. It does not provide an opportunity for the child to interact with another person or his or her environment. Children’s language development relies a lot on two-way conversations but solitary viewing in front of a screen removes this possibility, as there is no one to engage with them.

Excessive weight gain

Children who spend a long time in front of a screen often spend a long time sitting down. Prolonged sitting or sedentary activities increase the risk of weight gain over time. Obesity increases the risk of other health complications at a young age such as high blood pressure.

Screen use recommendations

Young children below two years should ideally not have any exposure to screens. For children aged two to five years, limit to one hour of quality programmes, ideally with an adult engaging with them throughout. Children above five years should have no more than two hours of screen in a day. Parents are encouraged to replace screens with other engaging activities like reading, board games and physical play. Parents should also spend more time talking with their child.

Increase active play

Active play is an important component of children’s physical and cognitive development. Younger children below five years should be encouraged to engage in a variety of daily movements. This can include walking, running, dancing and jumping using equipment like a ball, a bubble tube or hula-hoop.

Above five years, the recommendation is that children engage in at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Aside from the activities mentioned already, children can also be included in sports like tennis, football, swimming and cycling. The aim of active play is to improve their gross motor skills, balance, flexibility and strength that are crucial for their physical development.

Regular physical activity helps children build strong bones and muscles, improves heart health and helps with weight management. It also leads to improved mental wellbeing such as improved focus, problem solving and a better mood. This leads to improved overall academic performance.

“A diversified and nutritious diet, limited screen use and regular active play are all important in helping your child to thrive.

How are you promoting your child’s wellbeing at home?”

Thank you for joining us this week on our Eat for Our Health page. Look us up on Social Media - Eat for our Health Seychelles on Facebook.

Please get in touch by emailing eat4ourhealth@gmail.com and let us know how you’re doing with these ideas, or better still, let us know how we can help you.

Yours in health

The Nutrition Team