Kids n Trees

Archive for the ‘Evil practices against kids’ Category

Child labor is considered to be one of the serious issues, which is degrading the quality of our society. Child labor mainly exists in underdeveloped and developing countries where illiteracy and poverty are on the peak. Due to unemployment problem, parents are forced to send their children for work instead of sending their children for studying. As a consequence of child labor, many children work continuously for long hours with out any rest for low wages and are seen to be mentally depressed. Especially in the small scale and cottage industries many children, who are below 14 years of age are being employed. Over population is also a hidden reason for child labor because the illiterate people and those who are below the poverty line think that more children they have, more they can make them work and earn money. This attitude of the parents should be changed to eradicate child labor from our society. Many organizations are taking steps voluntarily to educate the people, in order to make them understand the importance of being educated and remove this evil act of child labor. Also more job opportunities should be created for poor people by the local governments. Campaigns can be held to create awareness among the people, which will make the society understand the ill effects of child labor. The future of a country lies in the hands of children, hence it is essential to eradicate child labor from our society and improve the quality of life of children.

Child marriage is an evil practice of making children who are below 15 years of age to marry. This practice was seen to be prevailing in many countries in ancient past. But in recent years, statistical evidences show that, due to changes in the lifestyle of people, the practice of child marriage has reduced greatly in many countries. This practice is found to exist in rural areas where there is no change in the culture of people. After the amendment of children rights and laws that are against child marriage, this practice is considered to be an offence. In the United States, if a child below 16 years needs to get married then it is necessary to get permission from the court after getting consent from the parents. Early marriage can affect the health and mental growth of a child. UNICEF has taken measures to violate this evil practice that is existing in the society especially in rural areas. Illiteracy, adherence to old culture and lack of urbanization are the major reasons that are responsible for this unhealthy social practice. People should be educated and awareness programs for illustrating the ill effects of child marriage by the non governmental organizations will be of great help to uproot this practice from the underdeveloped areas. It is the responsibility of the society to ensure that the child rights are protected by uprooting child marriage.

In ancient past, the female children, was considered to be a weaker sex than male children. Female child was always thought as a burden and curse to the family. This is mainly because of the dowry system. The parents of a female child need to spend a lot of money for her marriage and also a girl child wont be able to provide income to the family after marriage. Hence the people who are below the poverty line had the habit of killing female children once they are born. Various techniques were used to kill the children in those days like giving poison to the child, burying the child alive, drowning in water, leaving the baby without feeding, etc. What is undigestable is the fact that the mother of the child is the one who kills her own daughter either willingly or unwillingly. Due to urbanization and development, female infanticide has been eradicated in many countries. But this practice is seen to be prevailing in rural areas of certain countries where illiteracy and adherence to old culture has not been put to an end. Many non government organizations along with the help of local government are trying to uproot this social evil completely. Some of the measures taken by them include awareness campaigns, educating people, taking statistical data and maintaining them, etc. Thus the organizations effectively take part to remove this social evil from every nook and corner of the world.

In recent years, a large number of children undergo child abuse which is done by their own parents, relatives or other members of the society. Children are being abused in many places like homes, schools and other public places. Child abuse is generally classified into four types. They are physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse and neglect. Physical abuse is caused by brutally beating up or injuring a child. Physically abused children have cut marks, burns and other bruises in their bodies. Emotional abuse is done to the children by constantly blaming them for no reason and treating them low before others. Such emotionally abused children develop very low confidence and a sense of fear to do anything. Sexual abuse is usually done to the children by engaging them in sexual activities without their knowledge. Many children are being neglected of love, care and affection from their parents. The parents don’t find time to spend with their children and hence the child develops a feeling of being neglected and lonely. Child abuse can have serious effects on the mental growth of a child. We can notice a lot of behavior changes in the abused child. The child becomes aggressive and also develops fear, low self esteem, loneliness, relationship problems etc. In extreme cases the affected child also tries to commit suicide. So the parents and the society should respect the feelings of children and show them love, care and affection in order to eradicate child abuse.