Effect of Abuse and Neglect on Academic Performance of children in Canada

Abstract

Child neglect and abuse is expressed as the failure of parent, guardian, or other caregiver to attend to a child's fundamental demands. Thus, the study sought to examine effect of child abuse and neglect on academic performance in schools in Canada. The target population included 374 teachers and learners. Questionnaires were utilized to gather the information. The research found there is a significant impact of child abuse and neglect on students' academic performance. The results indicated that when child abuse and neglect increase by one unit, the student's academic performance will reduce by 0.3441 units when other factors are held constant. Preventing child abuse and neglect requires addressing risk and protective factors at the individual, relational, community, and societal levels. Child abuse is whereby a parent or any other individual who has a duty for the child protection causes injury, death, emotional harm, or risk of severe damage to a child. Child abuse can include physical abuse, sexual assault, exploitation, and psychological abuse. Psychological abuse is the most typical form of abuse, with physical abuse being the most reported and sexual assault being the least reported. Child abuse and neglect impact learning adversely. The research suggested that parents constantly show their children love and affection and meet their needs. The government should put mechanisms to protect children from any form of abuse. The neglected children need to be helped by the community or government with the basic needs to enhance their survival. It was recommended that public engagement and education campaigns and practical approaches be adopted to reduce corporal punishment. The communities need to be engaged in efforts to address family needs, and families need to be able to access supports and resources where they live, work, and worship. Keywords: Child Abuse, Neglect, Academic Performance, Canada