Child neglect

Children are the most vulnerable creatures on earth. In Pakistan, when we talk about child rights, the discourse often focuses on child sexual abuse. There is not much focus on child neglect, which can also claim children’s lives. Recently, a four-year-old child burnt to death in a fire incident at his home. The fire started as a result of a short circuit. Both of his siblings sustained burn injuries. They lived on the first floor of a mosque where their father worked as a prayer leader. The fire incident occurred when the couple was at work and the children were locked in the house. Upon hearing their screams, the residents called the police. The other children were between four to six years of age.

In another similar incident, a six-year-old boy was left alone at home while his parents went to a wedding. The child was locked at home and advised to focus on his studies since he had an exam the next day. They left an iron switched on which he tried to turn off, but was electrocuted to death.

Leaving young children home alone and unsupervised is a form of child neglect. Neglect is usually defined as the failure of a parent to fulfill his or her responsibility for the child as it relates to providing food, clothing, shelter, medical care and the child’s safety.

When we bring children into this world, is the onus not on us to ensure their security and safety? How can we expect little kids to protect themselves? In developed countries, children can be left at home alone for a short time at the parents’ discretion, only if they are 12 years or older. If younger children are left alone, parents can face legal complications. In contrast, in our country parents easily get away with such situations.

Child neglect is a misdemeanour in some countries and the penalty can be up to five years in prison. There are many causes of child neglect and poverty is one of them. Due to acute poverty, couples work long hours to make both ends meet, and hence at times may have to leave their children unsupervised. Other causes may be parental mental health issues, substance abuse and unemployment. Child neglect can leave serious psychological effects on children, along with the danger of physical injury. There is a dire need to educate people so that they make their children's safety a priority.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 8^th, 2016.