The child-centred society in the UK has evolved significantly, with increased legal protections and parental investment, though challenges persist in maintaining children's wellbeing in the modern era.
- The impact of child protection laws on UK children has been substantial, with legislation like The Children Act ensuring their health and welfare
- Parents demonstrate significant financial and emotional investment in children's upbringing in UK, spending an estimated £227,000 per child up to age 21
- Modern challenges including technology exposure and changing cultural norms have led some sociologists to identify concerns about "toxic childhood"
- The UK ranks 16th out of 29 countries for children's wellbeing according to UNICEF research
- There's an ongoing debate between those who see progress in child protection and those who highlight persistent inequalities