Does Child Abuse Impede Behavioural Functioning in School Children?

Abstract

Abusive treatments of school children by school personnel, misinterpreted as discipline or punishment is totally wrong and unprofessional behaviour. It destroys children’s curiosity and causes detrimental impacts on overall development of children. This study intended to investigate the incidence of child abuse in schools and its consequences on student’s behaviour. In this study 480 students (boys & girls, 6-12th grade) from government and private schools of Uttar Pradesh (India) were selected through stratified random sampling technique. Child Abuse in School Checklist and Child Behaviour Scale were applied to determine level of abuse and behavioural functioning in children. Findings have proved the high prevalence of child abuse in schools. Child abuse caused adverse effect on proper development of positive behavioural functioning in children. The roles of other factors in students’ behaviours were partially supported. Regression results evinced the negative contribution of abuse to students’ behaviours in school setting. Results suggest that child abuse in schools is present at high level and exerting damaging impact on development of positive behaviours in children. Thus, it is suggested to exercise school based intervention devices to control incidence of child abuse and support abused children in enhancing their career and quality of life.