The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Children's Rights and Psychosocial Status

Abstract

Objective Children's rights emerged with the recognition of human rights and constitutional fundamental rights for children under eighteen. This study aimed to evaluate the attitudes and behaviors of parents towards children at home during the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of violation of children's rights. Material and Method Between December 2022 and June 2023, researchers administered a 38-question questionnaire to 540 parents at the university hospital general pediatrics outpatient clinic and pediatrics service. Results Among the participants, 70.4% were mothers, and 29.6% were fathers. The analysis indicated that fathers who took part in the survey engaged in child abuse less frequently than mothers at a statistically significant level. Furthermore, the severity of punishment administered by fathers to their children was statistically significantly lower than that of mothers. Conclusion In our study, they reported that verbal or physical violence occurred in the family during the pandemic period. Hence, it was determined that social isolation and disruption of education experienced with COVID-19 increased the rate of childhood exposure to domestic abuse and violence.