Stressed-out parents may take it out on kids

Published on: Sunday, April 17, 2022

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Credit: verywellfamily.com (For Illustration Purpose Only)

THE awareness on child abuse is still low in our society, thus it needs to be strongly inculcated at all levels to prevent it from happening.

Some perceive that only physical abuse merits serious attention. However, mental abuse should also not be tolerated.

More than 2,000 children are abused each year with more than 6,000 cases reported in 2019. On top of that, most of the perpetrators are parents, especially mothers.

Those figures should have set the alarm bells ringing. One indirect factor that we observe is that of women who are working.

The high cost of living compels most of them to find jobs to supplement their family income.

The perception that husbands should be the breadwinners is no longer relevant to the current situation.

The reopening of economic sectors suggests that parents will start normal working hours, meaning no more working from home.

Thus, they, especially women, will find it more stressful as it is hard to strike a balance between family and work. Hence, they bring stress home.

Perhaps, they need to take their time to get over the stress before they see their children instead of venting their anger or stress on them.

Child abuse can have serious repercussions on children. Constant abuse by parents may affect the children's emotions and mental development.

They will lose their self-esteem and may avoid socialising with friends. Their academic performance may also be affected.

Abused children tend to keep their feelings to themselves and express those feelings by bullying others, including friends, or committing crimes as they grow up.

This issue must be swiftly addressed to reduce the chances of crime being committed. Bear in mind that no children wish to be abused.

Parents should spend time with their children, and listen to their problems and needs. Children should not be deprived of attention as they deserve the protection of their family.

The most important aim is to mould children to be a valuable asset to our country.

Dr Mohd Shahidan Shaari Senior lecturer, Faculty of Applied and Human Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Perlis

Nor Hidayah Harun

Senior lecturer, Department of Business and Management, Universiti Teknologi Mara, Penang branch

- The views expressed here are the views of the writer Dr Mohd Shahidan Shaari and Nor Hidayah Harun, and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express.

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