Nearly 400 million children under the age of 5– or 6 in 10 children within that age group globally — regularly endure psychological aggression or physical punishment at home, according to new UNICEF estimates.
Of them, around 330 million are punished by physical means. “When children are subjected to physical or verbal abuse at home, or when they are deprived of social and emotional care from their loved ones, it can undermine their sense of self-worth and development,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell.
According to the report, 4 in 10 children aged between 2 and 4 do not get enough responsive interaction or stimulation at home. This may lead to emotional neglect and behavioural issues in adulthood. According to the report, about 1 in 5 children aged between 2 and 4 do not play with their caregivers at home. And 1 in 8 under the age of 5 do not have toys or playthings at home.
To prevent further violence against children, UNICEF is calling on governments to strengthen their efforts and invest in legal and policy frameworks that prohibit all forms of violence against children in the home.
The agency is also urging governments to scale up evidence-based parenting programmes that promote positive, playful approaches, and prevent family violence. It is also important to expand access to learning and play spaces for children, including preschools, schools, and playgrounds, to support their healthy development.