Neglect is the lack of care or failure to provide adequate nourishment, stimulation, safety, education and love to a child or children. Neglect can have serious consequences on a child’s psychological, physical and emotional development.
It is often difficult to identify signs of neglect as it can take many forms. Signs of possible neglect include a child frequently missing school for no apparent reason and children regularly been left alone or unsupervised. Also, when demands placed upon them are high, such as looking after younger siblings. Neglect can be life threatening for babies and young children. For instance, if children are not provided with a healthy balanced diet, adequate amount of physical activity and adequate clothing, especially in cold weather or lack medical attention when necessary.
Severe failure to meet a child’s needs can result in slow learning, in particular walking and talking; feeding problems and slow growth, a child being easily distracted, and doing badly at school. Other possible effects are children been unable to form close relationships with peers, low self-esteem and self worth, loss of interest in activities, depression and withdrawal, and an inability of being spontaneous and making decisions.
If you fear or know of a child who is being neglected, it is important that you talk to someone for advice and guidance. This could be a teacher, nurse, or a member of a local children’s organisation or social services department. If you know the parents or carers of the child in question and you are able to address this issue, it may be useful to provide them with leaflets and books with written information about how to cope with difficulties, and useful child rearing techniques. You can also advise them to seek professional guidance from a health visitor, social worker or counsellor.
It is often difficult to address cases of neglect, especially when there is emotional abuse as it is often difficult to quantify. However, it is imperative that you talk to someone about it. Children’s safety is paramount and talking to someone may be detrimental in the prevention of further suffering and the long term effects of rejection, hostility, lack of stimulation and love.
