Effect of Child Neglect on Psycho-Social Wellbeing and Academic Life of Children in Secondary School: Perception of Teachers in Ethiope East Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

Parents and guiders especially in the developing nation like Nigeria and other under developed nations indulge in child neglect most times unintentionally. Child neglect as a form of child abuse has not been given special attention like other forms of abuse. This study examined the effect of child neglect on the psycho-social wellbeing and academic life of children in secondary school from the perception of teachers in Ethiope East Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria. A questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample of 121 teachers selected from 10 schools within the study area. Data obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistic. The study revealed physical, educational, emotional and medical neglect as the common forms of child neglect in our society. Contributing factors to child neglect include disunity among parents, low income/poverty, parents’ level of awareness/educational, parents believe about child discipline and the child’s behavior. The effect of child neglect on the psycho-social wellbeing of children include that it reduces the emotional closeness between child and parents/guiders, the child development of deviant behavior and having low self esteem. Child neglect affects children academic life as the child find it difficult; to concentrating in class, remember and think straight.