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How to end violence in childhood
There is something wrong with the state of Asia’s children. In East Asia, over 70 percent of children endure corporal punishment at home, while 34 percent report being bullied at school.
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There is something wrong with the state of Asia’s children. In East Asia, over 70 percent of children endure corporal punishment at home, while 34 percent report being bullied at school. (Shutterstock/-)
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here is something wrong with the state of Asia’s children. A shockingly large number are not enjoying carefree, happy childhoods but enduring, often brutal, fast track transitions to adulthood.
Globally, three out of four children suffer physically or emotionally abusive violence: from corporal punishment to bullying, neglect, rape, even murder. In East Asia, over 70 percent of children endure corporal punishment at home, while 34 percent report being bullied at school. These are the findings of a recently released report Ending Violence in Childhood.
The problem of violence in childhood is far greater than most people realize. Patchy statistics, social acceptance, children’s fear and stigma of reporting abuse leads to widespread underreporting. Many vulnerable children pretend abuse isn’t happening, blame themselves, or feel unable to seek help in the face of a powerful abuser.
Children who experience violence are more likely to suffer depression when they grow up, turn to drugs, endure poor heath and take their own lives. Kids who are bullied or beaten at school avoid attending, harming their education and future prospects.
