Investigation of the well-being of Syrian children: Altındag example

The aim of this study is to examine the living standards of Syrian refugee children from a child well-being perspective, and offer solutions to enhance their living standards. The research was designed in quantitative method. The study universe was Syrian children living in Turkey. The sample is composed of 310 students studying in 6 Syrian student populated schools in Ankara. Data were collected between December 2017 and May 2018. The questionnaire was prepared by the researcher with reference to the international and national children well-being indices and taking into account the refugee experience of Syrian children and the local knowledge. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 23.0 program. The frequency and cross tables of the data are given, and the results are determined by performing chi-square test and logistic regression analysis. According to the findings of the study, the main problem determined was inadequate Turkish language skills. The inadequacy of speaking and writing skills in Turkish language negatively affects the well-being of children and complicates their social adaptation process. It was found that the family income of children is below the hunger limit, the households are very crowded and the number of Syrian children who cannot access education is very high. The opportunities and environmental conditions of children's housing have risks for children's health. It was found that the risk of child labor is higher for boys and the risk of child marriage is higher for girls. Restrictions on the work permits of family members in temporary protection status have transformed the employment of Syrians into an informal sector. As for the solution of Syrian children's multidimensional problems, there is a need for a holistic approach from children's well-being perspective. In this study, it is argued that national and international protective and preventive policies and projects are needed to support the well-being of Syrian children since migration is an international and global phenomenon.