Neglect is a form of child abuse that results in repeated failure to meet a child’s basic needs. It can have long-term effects on a child’s physical and mental health. As it can manifest in many ways, neglect can be difficult to identify. But, recognizing warning signs can protect children from further harm. Here are some signs of child neglect and a look at support options to protect children from abuse: Signs of neglect Poor hygiene Poor hygiene can indicate that caregivers have neglected the child. Other signs include frequent and untreated diaper rash in newborns, inadequate food, dirty or ill-fitting clothes, and hunger. Poor health Consistent health concerns or illnesses such as anemia, physical problems such as weak muscles or swollen joints, dental issues, and missed doctor appointments or vaccinations can all be signs that a child has been neglected. Other indications are not receiving the proper treatment, poor linguistic or social skills, frequent infections or sicknesses, and repeated accidental injuries caused by a lack of supervision. Housing issues This form of neglect involves failing to provide adequate living conditions. It can also include an unsuitable home environment, such as inadequate heating, exposure to potentially harmful items like knives and scissors, or being left alone at home for an extended period.

The emotional neglect of children by their parents, caretakers, or other legal guardians can be classified as abuse. Unfortunately, emotional abuse is not discernible instantly, so it is often overlooked and unreported. However, emotionally and physically neglecting people at an age wherein their minds are highly impressionable may leave deeper, longer-lasting scars on their psyche. To avoid such scenarios, here are some noticeable warning signs of a child being neglected: Frequent emotional outbursts At a nascent age, children crave love and attention from the people closest to them. If they are denied that warmth and affection, they tend to get frustrated. Eventually, such children get emotionally triggered and cranky over the slightest of things, such as breaking down when they are asked more than two or three questions. Prolonged absence from school or childcare Neglected children tend to mentally check out when it comes to learning new things. They simply do not find the inclination or desire to go to school or daycare with such a mindset. Eventually, days turn into weeks, and absenteeism becomes a deep-rooted habit. An aversion to bathing and brushing teeth Anxiety and depression are the most common outcomes of emotional neglect. Depressed children may simply not want to wake up in the morning, bathe, or brush their teeth regularly.

An average teenager uses their smartphone for about 7 hours and 22 minutes daily. When one considers VR headsets, smartwatches, and gaming consoles into the mix, several minutes are added to that figure. Gadget addiction in children is a problem that parents everywhere are desperately trying to resolve. There are certain strategies that can bear fruit in that regard. Some effective ways to keep kids away from phones, video games, and other gadgets are: Helping children find outdoor buddies A lack of friends can result in children finding refuge in video games and smartphones. Children generally love making new friends their age. While they may be shy and refuse to engage in conversations at first, playing with friends or simply spending time with them is more rewarding than just leveling up endlessly in a video game. Parents can initiate such friendships by introducing their children to other kids in their neighborhood. They can also set up fun little activities in the neighborhood to get all the kids in a locality to mingle and befriend one another. Doing regular digital detoxing Families with kids who are constantly glued to screens need to indulge in occasional digital detoxing. Parents need to set a side one or two days a week where none of the family members will have access to any screen time.