Violence against children: From a parenting style to a societal scourge

Violence against children: From a parenting style to a societal scourge

Saif Al-Mohammed – Tafas

Violence has been found as a means that humans use to control others, and it continues to be used against children under the pretext of upbringing, making them one of the most vulnerable groups to violence in society.

For this reason, violence against children has received widespread attention. Researchers have explored its causes and dimensions, and among their findings is that manifestations of violence significantly increase due to family upbringing and uneven social upbringing that individuals experience at an early age. A safe family environment that meets the biological and psychological needs of its members has lower rates of violence.

Several conditions have contributed to the prevalence of violence against children, including family-related factors such as a child being raised in an unstable family where one or both parents believe that violence and forcing the child to do certain behaviors forcefully are part of proper upbringing to prepare them to face challenges in the future.

Experiences have shown that a parent’s exposure to violence during their childhood negatively affects their interactions with their own children. The psychological pressures parents face are among the reasons that make their reactions harsh and severe towards their children, and there are direct causes such as irresponsible parental reactions due to factors like alcohol consumption.

However, the most impactful factor is the lack of laws protecting children, making them subject to the negative energy release of parents, especially with the widespread societal pressures such as poverty and unemployment.

Violence affects both the individual and society negatively. The child may become introverted, inclined towards isolation, and develop a weak personality lacking self-confidence. It also affects society as a whole, making it more susceptible to decay and deviation, where ethics, principles, and values are lacking.

To combat violence against children, it is necessary to adopt certain behaviors that limit this phenomenon. This includes supporting individuals, especially children experiencing domestic violence, providing healthcare and psychological care, spreading social awareness among parents about child protection principles, and emphasizing the idea that there is no “bad” child and every child is different in their skills, interests, and abilities.

Above all, the family has the greatest effectiveness in reducing violence by promoting good behavior in their children rather than punishing them for bad behavior. When a child feels safe, they can distinguish between right and wrong, and they do so seeking praise and appreciation without the need for pressure and compromising their security.