Child Abuse and Learning: Meaning & Effect

Education can be defined as the process of acquiring knowledge, skills and standard character that is expected in the society. It is a long process of mind cultivation that starts from childhood, where a baby begins to learn how to eat, sleep, and talk, from the parents. As a child matures, formal education becomes necessary and a child is expected to start at a primary school level. The school is the environment for learning where a child is enrolled into. This is where a child would be introduced to subjects that can shape and make them prepared for the future.

?However, as important as education is, certain factors can hinder the actualisation of its true purpose. This occurs when the learners- a child for example, is unable to pay attention, receive or acquire knowledge being taught in class due to certain social vices. One common one that has been identified is Child Abuse.

?What is Child Abuse?

Child Abuse can be defined as any form of physical, psychological, sexual abuse or a case of emotional neglect a child or any person below the age of eighteen years encounters from their parents, guardians or other adults. Child abuse also occurs when parents neglect their duties and allow their irresponsibility expose their child to abuse from adults. Such acts are commonly committed by familiar persons, more than strangers.

These are four main categories of child abuse that may affect the learning cycle of a child:

1.?????Physical Abuse

Physical abuse occurs when an adult intentionally inflicts harm on a child. It includes; cuts, bruises, burns, broken ribs, e.t.c

2.?????Psychological Abuse

Also known as emotional abuse, it is when a parent or adult acts in a way that can affect the emotional workings of a child.

3.?????Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse occurs when an adult forces or sweet-talks a child into performing any sexual activity.

4.?????Neglect

Neglect occurs when a parent fails to provide for the basic survival needs of their child, in terms of food, shelter and protection.

Effect of Child Abuse on the Learning Cycle

1.?????Multiple Injuries

Any form of physical abuse can lead to injuries. In some schools, the system of punishment where a child is beaten excessively or given inhumane punishment can lead to cuts, bruises, and eventual loss of blood.

2.??????Loss of focus

Another major factor in child abuse cases is the loss of focus in academics of a child in the learning environment. Events from home or school can affect academic focus. For example, a child that has been emotionally neglected at home might find it hard to relate to others; as such a child is unhappy.

3.?????Withdrawal

Sexual abuse most especially leads to the withdrawal of a child from social activities. He or she might begin to see everyone as a potential enemy or intruder and thus begin to keep to themselves. Victims of child abuse are usually scared to open up and, oftentimes, begin to sit alone, not wanting to have anything to do with others, and may begin to see everyone as a potential abuser.

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4.?????Self-esteem

They generally don't feel accepted in society. The events that have occurred to them shape their minds and make them feel inferior or strange, unlike others in society. Also, when a teacher utters demeaning words to a child, e.g., "dullard," this could affect the self-esteem of such a child and make him feel lower compared to his peers.

5.??????Behavioural Problems

Any form of abuse can lead to a child behaving in a way that doesn't conform to societal norms, e.g. wayward or violent acts. For example, a child that has been physically abused repeatedly can develop delinquent behaviours due to hatred evoked by the pain they have been through.?

6.?????Poor Academic Results

Children who are abused tend not to perform so well in academics. As these events do not allow them to concentrate properly and tamper with their cognitive ability or state of mind.

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7.?????Suicidal thoughts

In worst-case scenarios, they begin to have injurious thoughts about themselves. Like killing themselves or wasting their lives. Especially when the abuse has damaging effects on their mental health.

8.?????Death

Child abuse can result in death due to hunger, cold, excessive bleeding, or infections.

?Child abuse is a growing menace around the world. It's time to speak up for these young ones!. Say No to Child Abuse.