Neglect can have serious and long lasting effects. It can be anything from affecting early brain development, language delay, physical injuries from accidents, low self-esteem, poor school attendance, to, self-harm and suicide attempts. In the very worst cases where a child dies from malnutrition or being denied the care they need. In some cases it can cause permanent disabilities.
Though neglect can affect any child, its impact particularly applies to infants and very young children who, among all the age groups, are at the highest risk of death and/or incurring lasting mental and physical damage.
Neglect could result in a child who:
- is frequently absent from school
- begs or steals money or food
- doesn’t get the medical or dental care, immunisations or glasses they need
- lacks appropriate clothing, e.g., for weather conditions, shoes are too small, ill-fitted clothes
- wears clothes that are consistently dirty or ‘smelly’
- has teeth that are dirty, hair quality that is poor and contains infestations
- loses weight or is constantly underweight
- has suffered physical harm or danger because their parent or adult caregiver has failed to protect them.
The above may play a cumulative part in isolating the child, e.g., at school because of body odour or head lice, or because of violent behaviour.
The damaging effects of severe neglect can lead to accidental injuries, poor health, disability, poor emotional and physical development, lack of self-esteem, mental health problems and even suicide.
The degree to which children are affected during their childhood and later in adulthood depends on the type, severity and frequency of the maltreatment and on what support mechanisms and coping strategies were available to the child.
