(VOVWORLD) - 400 million children under the age of five, roughly 60% of that age group, experience physical violence or psychological abuse at home, from spanking to insults, UNICEF said Monday.
 (Photo: VNA) |
This reflects data from 100 countries collected between 2010 and 2023 and covers both physical punishment and psychological aggression. About 330 million of those children experience physical punishment. Although more countries are banning corporal punishment of children, nearly 500 million children under the age of five are not legally protected against such practices.
For the first time, UNICEF published findings on the access children have to play, and marked the first-ever International Day of Play on June 11.
According to data from 85 countries, one out of every two children at age 4 cannot play with the person who takes care of them at home, and about one in eight children under the age of 5 does not have any toys at all. About 40% of children aged 2 to 4 do not get enough stimulation or meaningful interaction at home.
On March 25, the UN General Assembly passed by consensus a resolution proposed by Vietnam that designates June 11 each year as the International Day of Play.
The resolution recognizes the role of play in physical development, social skills, cognition, communication, and emotional life at all ages, as well as the importance of ensuring access to recreational activities for the physical and psychological health and development of children and young people.