400 million children under the age of 5 regularly experience violent discipline at home

“When children are physically or verbally abused at home, or when they are deprived of social and emotional care from loved ones, it can undermine their sense of self-worth and development. their development,” she said. UNICEF CEO Catherine Russell.

UNICEF’s data was released on Tuesday for the first-ever International Day of Play (IDOP). It shows that many young children lack play, stimulation and interaction with parents and caregivers. The United Nations children’s agency is calling on governments to strengthen legal frameworks and invest more in evidence-based parenting programs and play spaces for children.

Discipline violence at home

While a growing number of countries ban corporal punishment of children at home, around half a billion children under the age of 5 are still not fully protected by law. According to UNICEF, harmful social norms emphasize violent child-rearing practices. More than a quarter of mothers and primary caregivers expressed that physical punishment is necessary for raising children.

Data show that about 4 in 10 children aged 2 to 4 do not receive enough stimulation at home, suggesting that emotional neglect can lead to detachment, insecurity and behavioral problems. en in adulthood. Meanwhile, one in 10 miss out on developmentally important activities with caregivers, such as reading, storytelling, singing and drawing.

The findings also show that many children do not play with their caregivers and do not have toys at home.

The first international day of fun

Firstly International Fun Day emphasizes the important role of play in human development through cognitive, social, emotional and physical development.

“Nurturing and joyful parenting can bring joy and also help children feel safe, learn, build skills and navigate the world around them,” Ms Russell said.

IDOP also highlights persistent obstacles to children’s ability to play, such as disability, gender discrimination, conflict and learning poverty.

UNICEF is calling on governments to do more to address these challenges, calling for better legal and policy frameworks to end all forms of violence against children at home. It is also emphasizing expanding evidence-based parenting programs and expanding access to learning and play spaces for children.

“On the first International Day of Play, we must unite and recommit to ending violence against children and promoting positive, nurturing and joyful care,” Ms. Russell declared.