Examination of Preschool Teachers' Views on Child Neglect and Abuse

Abstract

This research was conducted to get the opinions of preschool teachers about child neglect and abuse. Phenomenology was used in this study. Convenience sampling method was used to collect the data. The research sample consists of 40 teachers. Teacher interview form was used as a data collection tool in the research. The data were analyzed by content analysis technique. As a result of the research, it was determined that the majority of the teachers explained the concept of child neglect based on 'emotional neglect'. According to another finding of the study, teachers evaluated child abuse mostly in terms of 'physical abuse'. Accordingly, teachers stated that the most important factor leading to child neglect and abuse is “family factors”. In addition, teachers stated that trainings should be organized, social awareness should be increased, legal regulations should be reviewed and family-child communication should be ensured in order to prevent child neglect and abuse. Accordingly, the majority of teachers stated that the most important role of school stakeholders in protecting children from neglect and abuse is "to organize trainings". According to another finding of the study, the vast majority of teachers stated that they do not have enough information about the legal regulations for the protection of children from neglect and abuse.