“They don’t care about deaf problems.” Children’s rights and emotional well-being

This study uses a mixed-method sequential approach to explore the prevalence, perceptions and experiences of deaf children in relation to their emotional well-being in Northern Ireland. While there is a small body of research exploring the application of human rights treaties for deaf children, there is an absence of research that applies a rights-based framework to their emotional well-being. Drawing on findings from our study we argue that deaf children experience a lack of inclusive time and space(s) across their lives, and that they carry undue burden and responsibilities in implementing their own rights. We argue that these factors contribute to the higher prevalence of mental health conditions they experience compared to their hearing peers. We further examine the role of a rights framework as a facilitator to better well-being, drawing on children’s views on ways forward, arguing that effective implementation of rights is a precondition to positive well-being.