Stop child abuse

As a nation, we have failed to protect our children and exposed them to violence from a young age. A significant number of children in work is itself evidence of our failure to ensure a good upbringing and development of our children. A recent report found that child abuse is prevalent everywhere in Bangladesh. They face abusive treatment in their workplaces, schools and even in their families. According to the study, six out of 10 children in the country are victims of physical and emotional violence. The report also states that a total of 77.1 per cent children are subjected to physical abuse due to their poor academic results. Unfortunately, these figures only reveal part of the story as there must be many other cases of child abuse that go unreported.

Many parents still think if their children are not beaten, they will not be disciplined and go astray. However, the parents hardly try to realise the harmful effects of such disciplining. Victims often suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and other mental health issues, which continue to impact them in their adulthood as well.

Educational institutions should offer counselling services to students and encourage them to speak up about any abusive behaviour they have faced. In our families, we should be empathetic towards children and encourage them to speak up about anything that bothers them. Elders should establish trust and support so that children do not feel scared or ashamed to talk about any verbal, physical or sexual abuse. In addition, strict enforcement of laws is needed to prevent child abuse, child labour and child trafficking.

Mahmudul Haq Hasan,

Student of Dhaka College, Dhaka,

mahmuddadc@gmail.com