Each year, countless children lose their lives. The silent killers are violence, poverty, easily preventable diseases and illnesses, and other related causes. It is astonishing to note that most of these deaths are avertable and through adept efforts of government and non governmental counterparts the number of deaths each year can be easily minimized. Given below is an overview of major global issues that have made children of today’s world vulnerable to adverse situations.
Global Violence
Global violence is a fast growing phenomenon which impacts lives of children worldwide. Evolving through times, violence has always made its presence felt around the world. From the times of wars with swords to today’s acts of terrorism, from violence at home to the violent ideas streamlined by media; neither the adults nor the children have been able to free themselves from the negative effects of aggression. Acts of terrorism such as sniper shootings, suicide bombing, bomb explosions, etc. and added to it the graphic display of these on the media, has contributed to furthering the anxiety and stress for adults as well as young children. In the light of the prevailing situation, our world is in a dire need to join hands and make collective efforts to build a safer world for our children.
Moreover physical abuse is one of the most pervasive human rights challenges of today and is not limited by geography, ethnicity, or status; it is a global phenomenon. Some of the biggest victims of domestic violence are children who are exposed to domestic violence at home or work place. From a very early age these children not only become a target but even watch one parent violently assaulting another or a sibling. Findings show that children who are exposed to violence in the home may suffer a range of severe and lasting effects. They often have difficulty learning and limited social skills, exhibit violent, risky or delinquent behavior, or suffer from depression or severe anxiety.
We have a responsibility to promote a culture of peace and acceptance. Education is a good starting point and through inculcating ethical values we can help make our world a better place. Public education and mass awareness campaigns can highlight the negative impacts of violence on our future generations and accentuate the need for strict enforcement of policies and laws to protect children. Additionally, interventions that support children who are exposed to violence are crucial in minimizing the long-term harm.
Poverty
Poverty is another global issue which is widespread and a large number of children around the world dwell in conditions that are unfavorable to healthy living. Nutritious food, safe drinking water, adequate sanitation, health facilities and education are increasingly becoming a luxury which many cannot afford. According to the findings of a research conducted by UNICEF, 24000 children die each day due to substandard living or poverty. The statistics cited only consider children who were aged 5 or below. Had older children been considered in the study, the figures would have been markedly higher. Deepening poverty is inextricably linked with rising levels of homelessness and food insecurity for many people and children are particularly affected by these conditions.
Child Labour
Poverty together with lack of access to education perpetuates child labour. Many of the children are forced into child labour from a very young age to make ends meet and provide for themselves and their families. What is more alarming is the fact that out of around 172 million children aged between 5-14 years who partake in child labour globally, 126 million regularly engage in hazardous work that can potentially endanger their personal safety, mental and physical health, and harm their development. (Statistical data compiled by the International Labour Organization in 2008)
Child Labour is not new, and neither is the global struggle to get protection for children. Operating machinery intended for adults; being subject to elements when working in fields during harsh weather conditions; exposure to fumes and hazardous waste products and chemicals; child bondage; child soldiers; prostitution; slave labour; and trafficking are all exploitative forms of child labour. The emotional and psychological damage done to children in such forms of labour can be devastating. Education is empowering and creating awareness about their rights is the best protection for children.
Natural Disasters
Given the overwhelming evidence that climate change will lead to more frequent and severe natural disasters, children will be increasingly exposed to floods, droughts, windstorms, and possibly earthquakes and tsunamis. Climate change can further threaten safe drinking water and groundwater pollution could have a particularly harmful effect on children’s health.
Natural disasters can be especially traumatic for children. Experiencing a dangerous or violent earthquake, flood, storm or fire is frightening even for adults, and the devastation to the familiar environment (i.e., home and community) can be long lasting and distressing. Children look to their parents and elders for guidance on how to manage their reactions after the immediate threat is over. Schools can help play an important role in this process by providing a stable, familiar environment.
While many children may cope with disaster better with the help of parents and other caring adults, some may be at risk of more extreme reactions which can vary in degree depending on factors such as exposure to the actual event, personal injury or loss of a loved one, dislocation from home, level of parental support, etc. Children sometimes may also exhibit symptoms over an extended period of time. Immediately following a natural or manmade disaster, it is important to identify children who are at high risk and plan supportive crisis intervention and counseling services accordingly.
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