The Impact of Child Maltreatment on the Psychological Development of Primary School Learners

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate how child maltreatment affected the psychological growth of primary school students in  Bulawayo Metropolitan Province. The study employed a qualitative approach, gathering data through observations, focus groups, and  interviews. Ten educators, ten parents, and ten heads of schools took part in the research. The effects of child abuse on the psychological  growth of students studying primary education were noted. Throughout the investigation, a total of eight students were monitored. The  study’s findings demonstrated the negative effects of child abuse on psychological development. Numerous types of child abuse were  listed, including physical, sexual, emotional, and neglectful behaviour as well as a shortage of food in households and a lack of  commitment from government agencies in charge of children’s safety. The study suggests that in order to end child abuse, parents and  teachers should get training on the value of protecting children’s rights