Child Neglect- A Type Of Abuse

Child Neglect is the most common type of child abuse. Child neglect is depriving the child of basic age-appropriate needs such as nutrition, housing, education, healthcare, emotional needs and physical needs.

Failure of the caregiver to meet the child's basic needs will lead to physical, social and emotional problems in the child. Child neglect is not how parents think they should raise their child, but how society perceives parents behaviour towards their child.

Types of child neglect

Physical Neglect - when the parent or guardian deprives the child of their basic physical needs such as food, water, clothing and shelter. Neglect of physical needs also means failure to maintain hygiene. Some parents may fail to provide their child with clean or washed clothes. Physical neglect also includes failure to keep the child safe from danger. Example, leaving the child unsupervised.

• Educational Needs:- When the parent or guardian does not provide the child with the necessary education. Example, not registering their child in a school.

• Medical Needs:- When the child is denied medical care by the parent or guardian for their injuries or health problems. Even if the child suffers from a repeated illness, the parent will refuse to provide appropriate treatment, thus, only worsening the child's condition. Sometimes even leading to the death of the child.

• Emotional Neglect:- Emotional neglect occurs when the child is deprived of their emotional needs. Parents or guardians may fail to provide their child with affection and other positive emotions. Sometimes they may even try to scare, shame or humiliate the child.

Causes of Child Neglect

• Parents who suffer from mental illnesses such as depression or struggle with substance abuse have difficulty in forming relationships with their children.

• Young parents are unable to meet their baby's needs due to their inexperience.

• Those children who have parents in prisons may be subjected to child neglect.

• If a family is extremely poor, then they are less likely to provide their children with necessary resources.

• Mothers who have experienced childhood abuse, are less sensitive towards their child's needs and emotions.

Effects of Child Neglect

• Children who were neglected during their first two years of life were shown to be more aggressive compared to others.

• Those who experienced childhood neglect had difficulty in forming secure attachments.

• Neglect can even affect the child's emotional development and as adults, they may display symptoms of PTSD.

• These children have low self- esteem and poor impulse control.

• As adolescents, these children are at risk of engaging in substance abuse and early sexual behaviour.

Childhood Neglect can have endless negative effects on children, ranging from cognitive deficiencies to physical injuries.