On June 10, UNICEF released a harrowing report revealing that nearly 400 million children under the age of five are subjected to violent physical or psychological discipline at home. This staggering figure translates to about 60 percent of all children in this age group worldwide. The data, collected between 2010 and 2023 from 100 countries, highlights the pervasive nature of child abuse, encompassing both physical punishment and psychological aggression.
The term “psychological abuse” encompasses actions such as screaming at a child or calling them derogatory names like “stupid” or “lazy.” Physical abuse can range from shaking and hitting to spanking, actions intended to cause pain or discomfort even if they do not result in injury. Alarmingly, of the nearly 400 million children affected by harsh discipline, around 330 million experience physical punishment. This normalization of violence is further underscored by the disturbing statistic that over one in four mothers or adults responsible for children believe physical punishment is necessary for proper education.
Physical or verbal abuse at home, coupled with the deprivation of social and emotional care, severely undermines a child’s sense of self-worth and development as stated by UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. Such adverse experiences can have long-lasting repercussions, affecting a child’s mental health, cognitive development, and social skills.
Research consistently shows that children exposed to violence are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems. The trauma can impede their ability to form healthy relationships and succeed academically. Furthermore, these children are at greater risk of perpetuating the cycle of violence in their own families, creating an intergenerational transmission of abuse.
In conjunction with the report on abuse, UNICEF’s findings on children’s access to play paint a grim picture. Data from 85 countries revealed that one in two children aged four cannot play with their caregiver at home, and about one in eight children under five lack toys entirely. Additionally, 40 percent of children aged two to four do not receive adequate stimulation or meaningful interaction at home, and one in ten lack access to crucial developmental activities like reading, storytelling, singing, and drawing.
Play is not a mere pastime for children; it is a fundamental component of their development. It fosters cognitive, social, and emotional growth, helping children learn about the world around them and develop essential life skills. The deprivation of play is, therefore, a significant impediment to their overall well-being.
The data presented by UNICEF is a clarion call to action. We must move beyond acknowledging the problem to implementing comprehensive solutions that ensure every child can grow up in a safe, loving, and stimulating environment. By doing so, we can break the cycle of violence and lay the foundation for a healthier, more compassionate future for all children.
End Note: The United Nations has recognized and declared June 11 as the ‘International Day of Play’, a commitment by all member countries, especially those that have ratified the International Convention on the Rights of the Child. This day will be celebrated as the right to play for all children aged under 18. The first-ever International Day of Play, observed on 11 June 2024, mark a significant milestone in efforts to preserve, promote, and prioritize playing so that all people, especially children, can reap the rewards and thrive to their full potential.
