Social Psychiatry

Abstract

Abstract Children, about one-fourth of the world’s population, are society’s most valuable natural resource, and it is imperative to care for them and provide them with the most fulfilling and enriching ingredients, enabling them to become physically and mentally healthy. Children’s cognitive, motor, speech and language, and socio-emotional developmental domains have a bearing on future learning, academic achievement, social relationships, employment, and community participation. Development in each specific domain is affected by a multitude of biological, psychological, and social factors acting in unison and altering/modifying the outcome. Social factors that include maternal health, early feeding practices, family environment, and living conditions play an important role starting from conception, pregnancy, and the postnatal period in shaping childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Cultural beliefs, attitudes, social policies, socioeconomic status, and safe and adequate living conditions are all factors in children’s development. Social psychiatrists and all socially conscious individuals should take an active role in promoting these essential elements to the world’s children.