Emphasizing the dynamic

and complex interplay

between the individual child
and their ecology

By: Himanshi Singh

Clinical Psychologist

www.counselindia.com
 Development of a child

www.counselindia.com
Ecology of childhood
The ecology of children is the study of how children interact with
their environment and with other people. It includes the study of
how children learn, how they develop, and how they cope with
their surroundings.

The social ecology of childhood includes positive and negative

experiences, providing children with a socio-biological framework
to meet age-specific developmental goals.
Theory behind ecology of childhood
French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712–1778) first proposed
that early childhood experiences establish adult behaviors.

Lev Vygotsky (1896–1934) from Moscow proposed the role of social

and cultural factors in his theory of speech development, described in
his book Thought and Language (1934).

This work influenced many, including Jean Piaget (1896–1980), to

propose theories of cognitive development in early childhood.
Cont.…
These factors were integrated into the Ecological Systems Theory by
Urie Bronfenbrenner (1979), a Russian-American psychologist.

Bronfenbrenner conceptualized that human development is shaped by

complex relationships between individuals and their environments.
He argued that contemporary understanding of human development
had failed to consider interactive, layered systems within a child’s
environment.

These limitations led him to develop the Ecological Systems model.

Role of school & teachers
Children are strong, unique and resilient individuals, capable of
complex thinking and their own perspectives.

Great teachers and educators know this and will reinforce this
through every learning opportunity.

This shows children that they are capable individuals in their own
right, with unique personalities, skills and the ability to
contribute.

As a consequence, a child’s confidence, resilience and self-

esteem grows.
Cont..
This means children are equipped with:

the skills to make friends

the confidence to try new things and follow their interests
resilience to keep trying
a willingness to respect others
the ability to operate in an increasingly independent manner.
Role of media and technology

Media (including television, mobile devices, music, computers, and

video games) has a very strong influence on child development.

Social media. When introduced at the right age, social media can
facilitate learning, networking, and friendships.
When used inappropriately it can lead to cyberbullying, loss of privacy,
and/or poor self-esteem. It is important to help children learn how to
use social media and the internet safely; this is called digital citizenship.

Educational games, programs, and apps. There are a lot of programs

out there that are great for children. Programs that promote art, music,
and creativity can be great for children and teens.
Childhood and its interplay with wider
environment
CASE STUDY
NAME- SUJOY
AGE- 10 YEARS
HISTORY OF PHYSICAL VIOLENCE AND ABUSE AT HOME. LACK OF
ATTENTION TO CHILD’S NEED IS THERE.

DISCUSSION AND INTERVENTION??