The Impact of Yangge Seaman Lifestyle on Children’s Health

The Impact of Yangge Seaman Lifestyle on Children’s Health

Yangge seaman lifestyle is a way of life that is characterized by prolonged periods of separation from family members and loved ones, extensive traveling, and staying away from the comforts of home. The seafaring community typically consists of sailors, fishermen, and other individuals who work on ships and boats for several months at a time. Due to the demanding nature of the job, seafarers often face multiple challenges that can have a significant impact on their overall health and well-being.

Although there is limited research on the impact of the Yangge seaman lifestyle on children’s health, it is believed that children of seafarers may experience a unique set of challenges that affects their holistic development. This article will explore the factors that contribute to the impact on children’s health and well-being, as well as the various interventions that can be implemented to mitigate the risks.

Family Separation

One of the most significant challenges that children of seafarers face is long periods of family separation. Children may be particularly vulnerable to the psychological impact of separation and the associated stressors. As a result, children may experience anxiety, depression, and mood swings, which can impact their academic performances and social development.

Emotional Impact of Transience

The lifestyle of a seafarer is marked by long periods of travel and transience. Children face additional challenges to their emotional well-being as a result. They may experience anxiety and depression when separated from extended family, traditional surroundings, and friends. They may have difficulty not only with the normal developmental issues facing children but also with the stress associated with their parents’ absence.

Educational Achievement

Seafaring parents’ absence can also affect their children’s educational outcomes. Children of seafarers may experience challenges when adjusting to new schools frequently. Academic disruptions occur when children remain absent from school when their parents are at home, to maximize time with their absent Father. The constant emotional disruption involved in family separations can also put a child’s performance in school at risk.

Furthermore, when a child’s academic performance fails, they may be more likely to engage in high-risk behaviors such as dropping out of school early. This puts them at risk of long-term consequences such as unemployment and poverty.

Health Concerns

The seafaring lifestyle can also pose health concerns for children. As a seafaring parent, it may be difficult to access healthcare services that are not available on the ship. Children of seafarers may experience a higher risk of developing illnesses such as asthma, allergies, and skin conditions due to their parents’ prolonged absence.

Moreover, the conditions in which seafarers work may pose an indirect risk to children’s health. Maritime accidents, piracy, and dangerous cargo include toxic materials that can affect a child’s long-term health.

Interventions to Mitigate the Risks

Interventions can be put in place to mitigate the impact of the seafaring lifestyle on children’s health. Therefore, enhancing access to counseling and mental health services, as well as increasing the provision of appropriate education for seafarers’ children, should be more prominent.

The maritime industry and governments can take steps to increase access to healthcare services for children. This can be achieved by providing medical facilities that meet international health standards in countries where most seafarers come from.

Finally, employers of seafarers should promote regular communication between seafarers and their families through phone and internet facilities e.g. SKYPE. Additionally, including family members in the seafarers’ welfare and recreational programs can be helpful.

Conclusion

There is limited research on the impact of the Yangge seaman lifestyle on children’s health. However, the seafaring lifestyle affects children’s holistic health, including emotional impact due to family separation, the stress of a mobile lifestyle, academic performance, and health concerns due to adverse working conditions. Governments, NGOs, and the industry can play a significant role in mitigating the impact of the seafaring lifestyle on children’s health through provision of healthcare services, welfare and recreational programs that include family members, and provision of appropriate education to seafarers’ children. By implementing these interventions, we can promote the health and well-being of children of seafarers and enhance their quality of life.