The Status of Young Children's Development and Nurturing Care in Lebanon
Identifying Disparities and Risks to Inform Policy and Program Actions
Highlights
Amid Lebanon’s ongoing multi-faceted crisis, a groundbreaking National report on the status of young children’s development and nurturing care in Lebanon reveals significant challenges faced by young children.
The findings underscore the compounding impacts of economic decline, displacement, and food insecurity on children’s Nutrition status, health, learning, and safety. With over half of mothers reporting depressive symptoms and widespread use of violent discipline, the crisis is deeply affecting caregiving environments.
The Report highlights disparities in developmental outcomes, with Syrian and Palestinian children, boys, and those from poorer households most disadvantaged. Limited access to early learning materials, low paternal engagement, and high rates of malnutrition, including stunting and poor dietary diversity, further hinder children’s development.
This evidence marks a critical opportunity for targeted, multi-sectoral action to strengthen early childhood care and services, reduce inequalities, and ensure a nurturing environment for every child in Lebanon. Urgent investment in integrated strategies is essential to safeguard the future of Lebanon’s youngest generation.
