1.1 Identify the factors that can impact on the lives of children and young people

This guide will help you answer 1.1 Identify the factors that can impact on the lives of children and young people.

Every child’s life is shaped by a mix of influences and circumstances. These can affect physical health, emotional wellbeing, education, relationships and future outcomes.

Factors can be internal, linked to the child themselves, or external, linked to the environment and wider society. They can be temporary or long term, positive or negative. Recognising them is an important part of working effectively in the children and young people’s workforce.

Health Factors

A child’s health can have a major influence on daily life, learning and relationships. Health issues may be present from birth or develop over time.

Physical health conditions include:

• Chronic illnesses such as asthma or diabetes
• Allergies that limit activities or diet
• Disabilities affecting mobility or sensory abilities
• Conditions needing ongoing medical treatment

Mental health issues also impact life. These may include anxiety, depression, eating disorders or behavioural conditions. Factors like brain injury, developmental delays or autism spectrum conditions can influence the way a child learns and interacts.

Poor health can lead to missed school days, difficulty joining in play, reduced confidence and tiredness. Support might be needed from medical professionals, therapists and specialist educational staff.

Good health can encourage active participation, better concentration and stronger resilience. Workers can promote healthy lifestyles by encouraging balanced diets, physical activities and regular health checks.

Family and Home Environment

The home environment is one of the strongest influences on a child’s wellbeing. Relationships within the family affect feelings of security and self-worth.

Positive influences include:

• Stable routines
• Consistent care and supervision
• Emotional warmth and encouragement
• Clear boundaries

Negative influences may include:

• Domestic violence
• Substance misuse within the home
• Poor housing conditions such as overcrowding or damp
• Parents or carers with untreated mental health needs
• Divorce or separation with ongoing conflict

A supportive home promotes confidence and motivation. A stressful home can cause anxiety, behavioural issues and difficulties in learning. Workers should be aware of different family structures such as single-parent households, kinship care, foster care and residential settings.

Poverty and Financial Factors

Financial circumstances strongly affect opportunities for children and young people. Poverty can limit access to healthy food, extracurricular activities, safe housing and learning resources.

Impact of low income may include:

• Poor nutrition leading to illness or developmental delays
• Inadequate clothing for changing weather
• Limited access to technology for homework and learning
• Reduced participation in trips or sports
• Families relying on food banks

Children living in poverty may feel excluded and face stigma. Managing financial hardship often leads to stress within the household, which can affect relationships and behaviour.

Where resources are more available, children often have greater opportunities to explore interests, develop skills and take part in enriching experiences.

Education and Learning Environment

Education plays a central role in shaping future choices. Access to quality teaching, learning resources and positive relationships in school can have long-lasting effects.

Positive educational factors include:

• Supportive teachers and mentors
• Inclusive teaching methods that meet different learning styles
• Availability of special educational needs (SEN) support
• Opportunities for creativity, sports and leadership
• Safe school environment free from bullying

Negative educational influences might involve:

• Frequent school changes disrupting learning
• Bullying or discrimination
• Lack of SEN provision for children needing extra help
• Limited extracurricular opportunities
• Poor quality teaching or overcrowded classrooms

Educational success boosts self-esteem and widens future prospects. Falling behind can lead to frustration, disengagement and fewer qualifications.

Peer Relationships and Social Networks

Friends and peer groups are important for social growth, confidence and learning social rules. Positive friendships encourage cooperation, empathy and resilience.

Positive impacts can include:

• Emotional support and shared experiences
• Opportunities to learn teamwork and problem-solving
• Encouragement to try new activities

Negative peer influences might involve:

• Bullying, gossip and exclusion from groups
• Pressure to engage in unsafe behaviours such as substance use or minor crime
• Association with peers involved in antisocial activities

Social isolation can damage self-esteem and cause loneliness. Strong peer support can help children manage challenges in school and at home.

Emotional and Behavioural Factors

Emotional development shapes relationships, learning and resilience. Children learn to manage feelings over time, influenced by family, peers and personal experiences.

Positive emotional health promotes:

• Strong communication skills
• Greater ability to cope with stress
• Healthy relationships with adults and peers

Negative influences may include:

• Experience of trauma or abuse
• Poor attachment in early years
• Lack of emotional support from family or school
• Exposure to violence

Behavioural issues can arise from emotional distress. These might include aggression, withdrawal, or refusal to engage. Workers need to recognise patterns of behaviour and work with the child, family and other professionals to address needs.

Cultural and Religious Factors

Culture and religion shape beliefs, values and daily life. These can influence diet, clothing, celebrations, language use and moral guidance.

Positive cultural influences:

• Sense of identity and belonging
• Connection to community traditions
• Clear moral and ethical guidance

Potential challenges:

• Cultural or religious restrictions conflicting with wider societal norms
• Discrimination or prejudice against cultural background
• Difficulties in adjusting to new cultural environments

Respecting cultural and religious differences is important in building trust and providing inclusive care and education.

Community and Environmental Factors

The local area affects safety, access to services, and opportunities for recreation.

Positive factors include:

• Safe public spaces and playgrounds
• Libraries and community centres with activities and learning resources
• Good transport links to schools and services

Negative influences can involve:

• High crime rates
• Lack of safe play areas
• Poor transport limiting access to education and health services
• Environmental hazards such as pollution

Living in a supportive community encourages positive social engagement. Unsafe or resource-poor areas increase risks for children and limit opportunities.

Media and Technology

Media and technology use can offer both benefits and risks. Access to digital resources can support learning and creativity. Excessive or unsafe use can harm health and relationships.

Positive impacts:

• Learning opportunities through educational apps and websites
• Communication with friends and family
• Creative expression through music, art, or writing tools

Negative impacts:

• Exposure to unsuitable or harmful content
• Online bullying or harassment
• Reduced physical activity from too much screen time
• Sleep disruption from late-night device use

Workers need to support children in developing safe and balanced technology habits.

Changes and Life Events

Life events such as moving house, changing school, serious illness or bereavement can cause stress and require adjustment.

Examples of changes that may impact children:

• Death of a family member or friend
• Parental separation or remarriage
• Moving to a new location
• Starting or leaving a school
• Arrival of new siblings

Positive changes can bring excitement and new opportunities. Negative changes may cause anxiety, sadness or confusion. Support from adults and peers helps children adjust.

Discrimination and Equality Issues

Experiencing discrimination based on race, gender, disability, religion or other personal characteristics can affect self-esteem, safety and fair access to services.

Children may face:

• Bullying
• Reduced opportunities in school or clubs
• Unfair treatment by peers or adults

Promoting equality means making sure every child feels valued and included. Workers should challenge discrimination and help children understand diversity.

Government Policies and Support Services

Government actions and local authority policies influence children’s experiences. Funding for schools, healthcare, housing and social services all play a role.

Support services can address issues such as:

• Special educational needs provision
• Child protection
• Mental health services
• Support for families on low incomes
• Youth centres and leisure activities

Availability and quality of these services vary between regions and can affect outcomes for children.

Final Thoughts

The lives of children and young people are shaped by many interconnected factors. These influences can be positive, encouraging healthy growth and opportunities, or negative, creating barriers and risks. As a worker in the children and young people’s workforce, you need to recognise these influences and respond with appropriate support.

By identifying factors early and working in partnership with families, schools and other professionals, you can help children reach their potential. Being aware of health needs, home life, education, peers, community resources and wider societal issues allows you to adapt your approach and provide meaningful guidance. This awareness supports better safeguarding, wellbeing and development outcomes for all children in your care.