Exploring the impact of neighbourhood social fragmentation on early childhood developmental vulnerability

Background: The role of the neighbourhood social context in early childhood development is less understood despite the apparent disparities in early childhood developmental vulnerability in Australia. This research investigated the influence of neighbourhood social fragmentation on developmental vulnerability in young children. Method: Data were from the 2021 Australian Early Development Census. We applied logistic multilevel models to investigate the relationship between the area-level social fragmentation index and children's developmental vulnerability. The outcome variable was developmental vulnerability on one or more domains (physical health and wellbeing, social competence, emotional maturity, language and cognitive skills (school-based), and communication skills and general knowledge). The predictor was the Australian Neighbourhood Social Fragmentation Index, constructed using the principal component analysis. Results: The sample was 287,135 children in their first year of full-time schooling in 2330 Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2). Our analyses showed a 4% increased risk of developmental vulnerability on one or more domains (OR 1.04; 95% CI 1.00–1.08) if children lived in high compared with low socially fragmented neighbourhoods after adjusting for child, family, and neighbourhood characteristics. Conclusion: Maintaining social cohesion in the community decreases the chance of developmental vulnerability in children during their first year of full-time schooling. Social initiatives, such as horticulture classes, volunteering programs, and Neighbour Day events, may foster social cohesion in socially fragmented neighbourhoods, supporting children's development during their early years. Additionally, certain physical aspects of the neighbourhood (e.g., availability and walkability to public amenities and services) encourage accidental social interactions between neighbours.