The psychological and physical effects of poverty on children

The mental and physical effects of poverty on children

Poverty has a significant impact on the mental and physical health of children. Studies have shown that children living in poverty are more likely to experience a range of negative effects. Including poor physical health, delayed growth, and emotional and behavioral problems. These effects are caused by several factors, such as poor nutrition, lack of access to healthcare, and many more… In addition, poverty also harms a child’s cognitive development, making it more difficult for them to succeed in school and later in life. This calls for addressing poverty and providing support to children and families living in poverty to enhance their future well-being and success.

The psychological effects on children

The negative psychological effects of poverty on children are represented by:

• Emotional and behavioral problems: Poverty causes anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems in children. They may have trouble regulating their emotions and exhibit aggressive or reclusive behaviors.

• Cognitive development: Poor children suffer from a lack of cognitive abilities due to hunger and lack of focus, which may affect their academic performance and future success.

• Social and Emotional Development: Poor children have trouble forming healthy relationships and may have low self-esteem and esteem.

• Trauma and stress: Poor children experience high levels of stress and trauma due to precarious housing, food insecurity, and exposure to violence.

Physical effects on children

Poverty has several negative physical consequences for children, including:

• Malnutrition: Poor children do not have access to nutritious foods. Which leads to malnutrition and growth retardation, as well as problems with motor skills, language, and cognitive development.

• Lack of access to health care: These children find it difficult to obtain regular medical care. Which affects their healthy lives and makes them more susceptible to infectious diseases due to poor hygiene and sanitation.

• Poor housing conditions: Children living in poverty live in overcrowded or sub-standard housing, which can lead to health problems such as asthma and respiratory infections.

High rates of injury and accidents: due to a lack of safety precautions and supervision.

How to address and mitigate the harm of child poverty

Addressing the harm caused by child poverty requires providing financial assistance and support to children and their families. Education plays a crucial role in enhancing their future lives, so they must receive help to obtain it and support to complete it. In addition to the importance of providing health services to ensure their proper growth.

On the other hand, providing job opportunities for parents is extremely important, as it is the first solution to this problem. 

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