2.2. Explain how children and young people’s development is influenced by a range of external factors

This guide will help you answer 2.2. Explain how children and young people’s development is influenced by a range of external factors.

Children and young people grow and develop in a variety of ways. Their development is shaped by many different influences, including external factors beyond their natural capabilities or genetics. External factors refer to the conditions, environments, and experiences outside of the child, which can impact their physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development. Understanding these factors helps professionals better support children and young people to thrive.

Family Environment

The family environment is one of the most significant external factors. A stable, safe, and nurturing home provides the foundation for healthy development, but challenges within the family can negatively impact progress. For example:

• Parenting Style – Whether parents are supportive, neglectful, strict, or permissive influences how children feel about themselves and interact with others. A consistent and loving parenting style can promote confidence and social skills.
• Parental Conflict – Regular exposure to parental arguments or relationship breakdowns may lead to anxiety, insecurity, and behavioural issues in children.
• Socioeconomic Status – Limited financial resources can contribute to stress within the family, reducing opportunities for educational support, extra-curricular activities, or nutritious meals.
• Parental Mental Health – A parent struggling with mental health issues, such as depression, may find it difficult to provide emotional or practical support for their child, affecting attachment and stability.
• Substance Abuse – Living with a parent or carer who misuses alcohol or drugs may lead to neglect or inconsistent care, which impacts the child’s sense of safety and development.

Education and Schooling

The educational setting plays a central role in a young person’s development. School environments not only influence cognitive abilities but social, emotional, and behavioural skills, too. Examples of external factors related to education include:

• Quality of Education – Well-resourced schools with experienced teachers can help students achieve higher educational outcomes. In contrast, poor-quality education may hinder cognitive development and skills acquisition.
• Peer Relationships – Positive relationships with other children and young people contribute to social development, teamwork abilities, and communication skills. Bullying or exclusion, however, can lead to low self-esteem, mental health challenges, or difficulty trusting others.
• Teacher Influence – Teachers often serve as role models. Supportive, approachable teachers inspire confidence, curiosity, and academic achievement. Teachers lacking empathy or connection may impact a child’s motivation or emotional development.
• School Environment – Crowded classrooms, high-pressure academic settings, or a lack of emotional support services can create stress, potentially limiting development.

Cultural and Community Influences

The culture and community in which a child grows up provide the context for their values, behaviour, and opportunities. This includes:

• Cultural Norms and Traditions – Exposure to a rich cultural heritage can enhance a child’s identity and confidence. However, conflicting cultural expectations, such as balancing traditions and modern societal norms, can cause confusion or stress.
• Community Support – Living in close-knit communities often enhances a sense of belonging and safety. In contrast, poorly resourced or isolated communities may leave children with fewer developmental opportunities.
• Local Amenities – Access to parks, libraries, clubs, and sports facilities can encourage physical activity, creativity, and socialisation. Limited access may restrict these areas of growth.
• Crime and Violence – Living in areas with high crime rates can increase stress and anxiety, impacting mental health and overall development.

Socioeconomic Status

The financial situation of a family or community plays a critical role in shaping opportunities for young people. It affects education, health, social experiences, and much more. External factors linked to lower socioeconomic status include:

• Poverty – Families with limited financial resources may struggle to meet basic needs such as food, clothing, and housing. This may cause poor nutrition, increased illness, or housing instability, all of which hinder development.
• Employment Stability – Parents or carers with steady employment often provide a more predictable and comfortable home environment. Job insecurity or unemployment, on the other hand, can bring tension and uncertainty.
• Access to Healthcare – Families with reduced financial means might delay or forego treatment for health issues, affecting both physical and mental development.
• Impact on Education – Parents with fewer financial resources may not afford school supplies, uniform, or tutoring, which could lessen a child’s ability to perform well academically.

Health and Physical Environment

External factors related to health and the physical environment also profoundly impact children and young people’s development. This includes:

• Pollution – Exposure to contaminated air, water, or hazardous materials can lead to physical health issues, such as asthma or allergies, which can interrupt daily life and learning.
• Housing Conditions – Overcrowded or poorly maintained homes can create stress, illness, or disrupted sleep patterns, affecting mood, energy, and concentration.
• Access to Play Areas – Safe outdoor spaces for exercise and play are essential for physical, emotional, and social development. Children without such areas risk missing opportunities to build friendships or develop motor skills.
• Chronic Illness or Disability – Frequent hospital visits, physical limitations, or managing a long-term condition can cause not only physical challenges but affect routine, confidence, and educational progress.

Technology and Media

In today’s world, children and young people experience significant digital influences. While technology offers many benefits, it can also create challenges that affect development, such as:

• Exposure to Inappropriate Content – Unsupervised access to online content can expose children to information that is unsuitable for their age and emotional maturity.
• Social Media Pressure – Young people may compare themselves to unrealistic presentations of life online, potentially leading to body image concerns, anxiety, or depression.
• Screen Time – Excessive screen time may reduce physical activity and opportunities for face-to-face interaction, which are key for both social and physical growth.
• Cyberbullying – Being targeted through digital communication can harm a child’s self-esteem, causing emotional distress and social avoidance.

Life Events and Experiences

Significant life events, whether positive or negative, play a role in shaping children’s behaviour, skills, and resilience. Some examples include:

• Bereavement – The death of a loved one can be deeply upsetting and lead to feelings of sadness, confusion, or anger. This emotional upheaval may affect social interactions and mental health.
• Divorce or Separation – When parents separate, children may worry about loyalty, blame themselves, or face additional stress adjusting to new family dynamics.
• Relocation – Moving house, changing schools, or adapting to a new community can bring challenges in making friends or adjusting to a new environment.
• Trauma – Experiences of abuse, neglect, or exposure to violence are particularly harmful and may disrupt both emotional and cognitive development.

Social Influences

Peers, friends, and broader social environments shape how children behave and see themselves. This includes:

• Peer Pressure – Young people may feel forced to conform to peer expectations. Sometimes this can lead to risky behaviour, such as experimenting with substance use, or reduced confidence in making independent decisions.
• Supportive Friendships – Positive friendships encourage children to feel accepted, understood, and supported.
• Social Exclusion – Isolation from peer groups may lead to loneliness, low self-esteem, and a reduced ability to form relationships.

Environmental Stability

Consistency is important for a child to feel secure and confident. External factors such as:

• War or Political Instability – Growing up in countries with political unrest creates unpredictable living situations, fear, and limited opportunities for education.
• Natural Disasters – Events such as floods or earthquakes can uproot families, disrupt routines, and cause emotional trauma.

Final Thoughts

Professionals working with children and young people must consider these external influences to provide the right support. This could include:

• Observing children for signs that external factors may be affecting their development.
• Listening to families about their experiences and challenges.
• Offering referrals to support organisations, such as counselling services, local charities, or health clinics.
• Collaborating with teachers, social workers, and others who support the child.

By paying attention to the external factors influencing development, professionals can create opportunities for children and young people to overcome challenges and thrive.