Welcome to 'Kids in Focus' a devoted platform committed to our children's safety, growth, and happiness. This magazine is dedicated to addressing critical topics concerning parents, educators, and caregivers in today's world. With a focus on safeguarding our children and ensuring their well-being, our goal is to provide valuable insights and information. Together, let's explore these vital themes, fostering an environment where every child can thrive and flourish.
Authors
Noor Ishtiaq Ali
Editor
Muhammad Talha Muhammad Owais
Muhammad Kashif
Ramisha Amjad
Sheikh Muhammad Bin Khalid
Happy, healthy children are our ultimate goal.
01Combatting Pedophilia
he word "pedophilia in children" refers to an adult's sexual attraction or interest in prepubescent youngsters (less than 13 yrs. old). It's crucial to remember that, because it relates to sexual desire or attraction, pedophilia in and of itself is not illegal. Nevertheless, it is unlawful and a major crime to give in to these desires and have sex with minors.
Here’s a horrendous yet inspiring story of Nadia Jamil, a Pakistani actress and activist who has been vocal about her experience of child sexual abuse. She revealed that she was sexually abused at the age of four by a male relative
and later by a female domestic worker. She also faced harassment and molestation by strangers and acquaintances throughout her life.
She suffered from trauma, depression, anxiety, and self-harm as a result of the abuse. She also developed breast cancer in 2020, which she believes was linked to her abuse. She decided to speak out about her abuse to raise awareness and break the silence around the issue. She also founded an organization called SEED (Social Education Environment Development) to help survivors of abuse and violence.
She hopes that her story will inspire other survivors to seek help and healing and to fight for their rights and dignity. She also urges parents
and society to protect children from abuse and to create a safe environment for them.
Causes of pedophilia:
These are some of the major causes of Child Sexual abuse in Pakistan:
- Children from poor families may be left unsupervised, sent to work or beg on the streets, or exposed to sexual predators. They may also lack sexual education and awareness.
-Children with intellectual, physical, or mental disabilities are more dependent on caregivers and may have difficulty communicating or resisting abuse. They may also have lower understanding of sexuality and boundaries.
-Children who live with non-biological fathers, single parents, or families with a history of abuse are more likely to be sexually abused by relatives, friends, or neighbors. They may also experience poor family bonding and trust issues.
- Girls are more likely to be sexually abused than boys, especially between the ages of 11 and 15. Children from certain ethnic and racial groups, such as African American and Hispanic, may face higher risks of sexual abuse than others.
Indicators of sexually abused children
-Physical indicators include injuries in the genital area, bruises, infections, pain, bedwetting, and sexually transmitted infections. These signs may suggest that a child has been sexually assaulted or molested.
-Psychological/behavioral indicators include depression, anxiety, stress, aggression, guilt, self-blaming, powerlessness, low self-esteem, and suicidal thoughts. These signs may indicate that a child has been emotionally traumatized by sexual abuse.
-Social indicators include isolation from friends and family, poor social boundaries, difficulty in making intimate relationships, and negative coping styles such as drug use, smoking, and alcohol. These signs may show that a child has been socially affected by sexual abuse.
How Child Abusers Approach Childr en:
Individuals who engage in pedophilia often employ tactics to establish access to children. They may specifically target children or those who are close to them such as family members, friends
0or acquaintances. By building trust with the child, they exploit them for their sexual gratification. This manipulation can involve grooming, deception, coercion, threats or even force. Although the methods employe d may differ between individuals their ultimate aim remains consistent. Namely to sexually exploit children.
Possible effects of child sexual abuse
-Increased illness, body aches or other physical complaints
-Difficulty concentrating or memory loss, Poor performance at school
-Mood changes, regressive behaviors
-Sleeping and eating disorders
-Lack of self-esteem, self-harm or suicidal thoughts
-Disinhibited behavior
-Post-traumatic stress
-Sexual, Identity and Parenting difficulties
-Inability to form lasting relationships
-Alcohol and substance misuse
-The development of criminal behavior
02 Mental Health in Kids
Mental health, in broad terms, refers to emotional development and the acquisition of healthy coping mechanisms during childhood. This fosters well-rounded children who excel not only at home and in school but also within their community.
Mental disorders entail significant disruptions in an individual's thinking, emotions, or behavior, often leading to distress and impairments in key life areas. These disorders come in various forms, and in children, they may manifest as changes in mood, learning, behavior, attitude, and social interactions.
Mental illness encompasses all diagnosable mental disorders, where individuals experience substantial changes in their thinking, emotions, and behavior. These conditions typically result in distress and difficulties in functioning within social, work, or family settings.
Getting a Proper Diagnosis
If you notice lasting changes in your child's mood or behavior, or if they're struggling at school, consider seeking help. A doctor may need to examine your child's health through tests. Acting promptly can improve your child's well-being and success. Remember, seeking help for your child's mental health is about their well-being, not weakness.
Cultural backgrounds can influence how children express their mental health concerns. To reduce stigma and make children comfortable seeking help, consult a healthcare professional without delay. Early action significantly improves treatment outcomes and your child's overall well-being. Remember, seeking help for your child's mental health is about their well-being, not weakness.
Plant the seeds of kindness, nurture the soil of understanding, and watch the garden of a child's mental health bloom with resilience and joy.
Educating Schools and Caregivers:
▪ Organize workshops to educate teachers about mental health, creating a supportive learning environment for students.
▪ Enhance students' social and emotional skills through activities, screening, and assistance to create a positive school environment and encourage positive behavior.
▪ Prioritize physical health and ensure access to mental health support in school with counselors.
▪ Develop school mental health programs providing information and support for emotional well-being, guiding students on seeking help.
▪ Identify and address risks early for healthy social and emotional growth, ensuring proper support from teachers, parents, and peers.
▪ Facilitate clear communication between parents and teachers to follow the advice given by the child's doctor or psychiatrist, including curriculum adjustments and the need for extra support like a shadow teacher.
Treatment:
▪ Psychotherapy is talk therapy that helps kids express their feelings and learn better ways to cope with their thoughts and behaviors.
▪ Medication can be part of the treatment plan and may include drugs to help manage your child's symptoms. Your child's healthcare provider will explain the benefits and any possible side effects.
▪ Understand and support your child's strengths, work closely with the school to get the right help, and speak up for your child's needs.
▪ Engage in specialized parent training programs designed for children with mental illness.
▪ Learn effective techniques for managing stress and enjoying quality time with your child.
▪ Consider a shadow teacher if advised by your child's psychiatrist or therapist. As it provides 1:1 support in the classroom to the child.
Eating Disorders
Schizophrenia
Attention
Deficit
Hyperactivity
Disorder
Addiction & Substance Abuse
Some common mental illnesses and disorders
Bipolar Disorder
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Depression
Anxiety Disorders
03Fostering Physical Health in Children
Physical health is described as the body's normal functioning. It is about how your body grows, feels, and moves, how you care for it, and what you put into it, and it represents one component of total well-being. One of the numerous areas of newborn and toddler development is physical development. It is concerned with the development and growth of the body's organs, including the brain, muscles, and senses. Babies, for example, learn about the world as their physical senses of sight, touch, smell, sound, and taste mature.
Fostering Children's Physical Well-Being: A Holistic Approach
In today's competitive world, parents want their children to be not just brilliant but also healthy and fit. Creating an atmosphere that promotes physical health through proper nutrition and
habits into everyday activities. The body's demand for specific nutrients changes as children grow and develop through each stage, from newborn to toddler to adolescence. Caloric intake is raised, although servings from each food group vary. Because strong muscles allow us to stand, walk, and even talk, proper nutrition is vital during the developing years for children. As a result, they must maintain a healthy mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fats in their diet.
Developing necessary food and activity habits in childhood helps in the development of strong, healthy bones in children throughout their lives. Several lifestyle factors, most notably nutrition, physical activity, and sun exposure, can have a significant impact on bone mass gain during childhood and adolescence. Active children eat better and stay
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and vegetables, get adequate dairy and protein, and exercise for 40-60 minutes each day are less likely to develop chronic preventative diseases like diabetes and heart disease as adults.
Teaching your children healthy behaviors can help them live a healthy lifestyle for the rest of their lives. This must be done as soon as feasible. Children learn quickly. Parents need to set a good example by making healthy choices.
Maintaining a good attitude is one of the most important healthy habits to teach kids.
Staying positive can improve both their mental and physical health. Assisting them in developing a positive attitude will greatly contribute to their well-being and resilience throughout their lives.
Limiting children's screen time is beneficial to their health and well-being. Children and adolescents are growing up in a digital age. They are exposed to screens at all hours us gadgets like laptops, smartphones, and television. Excessive screen time, on the other hand, can
contribute to health issues such as unhealthy weight and eyesight problems. Reading has also a significant impact on a child's cognitive development. Encouraging your children to read and time spent in front of a computer equals less time spent outside, exercising, and socializing will help them increase their attentiveness, language abilities, and imagination. Include everyday reading in your child's play and nighttime rituals.
Teach the kids that they require energy to start their
day, which breakfast gives. Serve a variety of fruits and vegetables as their first meal of the day to ensure it is a nutritious one. Teach your children how to read food labels and understand the nutritional content of their meals as they get older. Examine the packaging of their favourite packaged snacks. Pay attention to a few key components of the label, such as calories, saturated fats, trans fats, and sugar levels. Assist them in learning how to make smart food choices. In the long run, this will result in healthier food choices.
With busy family schedules, it can be difficult to find time to sit down and enjoy a meal together. But it's worth a shot. A family meal ensures that family relationships are strengthened, children are better adapted, and everyone eats more nutritious meals. Children are less likely to be fat or overweight, and they are less likely to engage in drug or alcohol misuse.
Playing with peers gives children important social skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Having friends can also affect their academic success. Encourage your children to form a range of friendships and to play with friends regularly. It will provide them with life skills that they will be able to use for many years to come.
Eating disorders are not a way of life or a "phase" that someone goes through. Eating disorders have the greatest mortality rate of any mental condition and can cause substantial physical, mental, and emotional suffering. When a youngster appears to lose interest in food, it is natural to be concerned and assume something is wrong. Up to one-third of very young children go through the fussy eating stage, and the majority of them grow out of it very soon.
Not eating what they used to eat or being picky, not eating what the rest of the family eats, spending a long time eating or playing with their food, refusing to attend food-related occasions such as birthday parties, being Secretive about food, being concerned about their weight or size, displaying signs of low self-esteem.
Researchers examined 32 studies from 16 countries and discovered that 22% of children and adolescents had disordered eating habits. According to the study, these figures were greater among girls, older teenagers, and those with a higher body mass index, or BMI.
Eating disorders that commonly affect children:
Anorexia Nervosa: Also known as anorexia, this is an eating disorder characterized by severe food restriction and obsessive weight control because the individual associates thinness with self-worth. Unfortunately, this false sense of body image is both physically and psychologically harmful.
Avoidant / Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (AFRID): Children with ARFID can occasionally show little interest in eating and be very picky eaters. They might only consume a small selection of their favourite meals, which could stunt their growth and nutritional intake.
Bulimia Nervosa: It is characterized by uncontrolled episodes of overeating, called bingeing. This is followed by purging with methods such as vomiting or misuse of laxatives.
Binge eating disorder: This leads to weight gain and is linked to high blood pressure and high cholesterol. It's a mental health condition that presents as a behavioural issue. It results in obsessive, chronic overeating.
Orthorexia: is the eating behaviour associated with healthy or clean eating that is utilized to cope with negative thoughts and feelings or to feel in control. If they eat something that they believe is unhealthy, this person may feel highly worried or guilty.
Physical health treatment and assistance for children:
If you are concerned about your child's relationship with food or their body, consider first talking to them about their feelings. Their eating habits could be a technique for them to control or cope with something. If you have worries about your child's health or are unsure how to start a conversation with your youngster, consult your doctor immediately. Your doctor will ask you questions to
determine whether your child has an eating disorder, what type of eating disorder he or she has, and how best to treat it. Treatment will depend on the type of eating disorder your child has and their age, but it will almost always include talking therapy. Family therapy is frequently offered to children and adolescents.
Final Thoughts:
Parents, teachers, and caregivers can all play an important part in assisting their child in recovering from an eating disorder and regaining a healthy weight. We can help children grow healthy bodies and minds by concentrating on a good diet and regular exercise, as well as addressing the causes that contribute to eating disorders and cultural pressures.
Child Safety Word Search Challenge
Children have to be educated, but they have also to be left to educate themselves.
04Educating Children
he advancement of education can benefit society as a whole. It creates a society where people are mindful of their responsibilities and rights. Learning and culture are integral parts of education. Everyone is able to develop ideals and beliefs, as well as cognitive and physical abilities, through this.
The diversity of schooling leads to modifications in teaching methods. The educational organization hires teachers from a variety of countries allowing them to work with students from various backgrounds. Students learn new perspectives and the quality of education is raised.
Importance of Education in Our Life:
Education means studying subjects for deeper knowledge and to understand the various subjects which are going to be used in our daily lives. The term education is not limited to our bookish knowledge but it stands
for knowledge that is obtained and experienced by us outside the books or classrooms. Education changes our perspectives on life.
The importance of Education starts from our childhood which begins at home and education is a lifelong process that will end with our death maybe if there is any after-death life, it will also remain continuous there. A society without education cannot give a bright future to our world.
Challenges Faced by Parents:
There are multiple challenges that parents must overcome throughout the educational system. Parents may experience difficulties like not having enough money to get their kids the educational materials they need for school. They have trouble understanding their child's requirements and navigating the educational system juggling their child's education with their work and household responsibilities & inability to properly understand their child's progress and communicate with teachers.
Encouraging parents to actively participate in their children’s education and recognise its importance in building a better society can be achieved through various strategies:
Educate the Parents
Some parents may not have any experience in getting involved in their children’s academics. They’ll need direction on where to start and tips on how to get involved in a way that benefits the child. Engage parents by holding training and workshops that address:
• The importance of parental involvement.
• How to create a favourable learning environment at home.
• Ways to track a child’s progress in classes.
• How to encourage a child to develop positive study habits at home.
• How to guide a child to create academic goals.
Many parents may avoid attending these training sessions. Try using incentives like food and prizes to encourage attendance. Using webinars also makes it possible to have face-to-face discussions with parents from any location.
Personalize Parent Involvement
In order to motivate parents to participate in their children's education, personalization is essential. Understanding every family and its unique attributes is significant. Work on improving contents and activities that are conducted in schools to meet these needs. Parents who don't speak English well, for example, could find it difficult to communicate with each other in a multicultural classroom. They keep themselves away from being involved in their child's education as a result of this. They can find it awkward to collaborate with teachers and attend school meetings.
Provide assistance in forming fruitful collaborations with this set of people by offering assistance and knowledge in their mother tongue. The teachers who speak both languages at the school are also able to help with communicating with the parents in their native tongue through emails.
Explore creative solutions to the particular needs of parents with difficulties. Include a variety of school events and activities to accommodate them in the learning environment. As much as parental involvement is beneficial to the child, some parents may take time to acknowledge it. Understand these parents and give them time to warm
up to the idea. Make it clear that no child will be mistreated if the parent is not ready to get involved in the child’s education.
Positive Action understands the significance of developing relationships with all sorts of parents. We provide a selection of family kits that are easy to include in the lives of busy families.
Online advice videos
Parents and teachers can share ideas via web videos on your school’s website. Teachers can provide guidance on how parents can help with certain assignments and parents can provide feedback on areas where their child may need extra help.
Social media that connects to parents
The number of parents using social media is increasing at an alarming rate. Examine the school’s social media policy and begin planning to communicate continuously using popular channels like Facebook and Instagram. Social media platforms are good for connecting parents to the school's website and engaging them.
Promote
Open Communication
Open communication between teachers and parents can be beneficial in the development of trust and relationships. This holds the potential to increase parental involvement.
Start by arranging parent-teacher conferences at the beginning of the school year. Parents and teachers can introduce themselves, and parents can ask questions and express their opinions. This will set an atmosphere for the rest of the year's open discussion.
Parents will be encouraged to share their child's strengths and flaws if they communicate openly. They will notify their teacher about any things that happen at home that may have an impact on the child's behaviour in class.
One solution to a better education system in Pakistan is for the government to proclaim a true education situation in the country. There is also a school shortage, so the government must invest in the infrastructure sector as well because I believe a decent infrastructure supports attracting kids and establishing a pleasant learning atmosphere. A clear plan and a simplified approach for selecting eligible faculty in schools are required. The focus should also be on technical education, which is essential. Education funding should be raised in the country.
05Terrorism
It is derived from Greek word terreor and this derived from Latin terere means to frighten. The systematic use of coercive intimidation to serve political end.
According to definition of terrorism by US executive branch “Terrorism means an activity that involves a violent act or an act dangerous to human life, property or infrastructure and appear to be intended to intimidate or coerce civilian population to influence the policy of government by intimidation or coercion or to affect the conduct of government by mass destructions, assassinations
and kidnapping or hostage taking.
According to Joseph Nye of Hayward University that “Terrorism is the ability to affect the outcomes you want and if necessary to change the behaviors of others to make this happen.”
General Introduction toward Terrorism is tension in the international system or structure over the history gave rise to terrorism. Non state actor trying toinfluence the international system or structure in the pursuit of their vested interest by using of soft power (It is the
ability to get their desired outcome through attraction rather than coercion, because others want, what you want). According to Joseph Nye trifurcation of the international systems, makes the way easy for the terrorists to get out their political end.
Rise of unipolar structure a dominant role of United State and her western allies and the world affairs. Secondly, military interference in the third world countries gave rise resentment and their citizens. Therefore various terrorist groups emerge in the name of religion in order to get revenge from the powerful states.
Western and certain other countries device the system on the basis of secularism while in the Muslim state greater importance of religion an international system makes frustrated the radical Muslim of the western countries because they were prosecuted, discriminated and legally impose sanctions on them to execute their ritual or religious obligations. So it creates a deep feeling of anti- western civilization which ultimately leads to military retaliations to get political end. 9/11 was a transformational tragedy in the globe in tackling terrorism. All the energies of the nation states diverted toward countering terrorism.
As mentioned by the U.S. Department of state in the 21st century the principal aim of the American foreign policy is to integrate other countries and organizations into arrangements that will
sustain a world consistent with the US interest and value and thereby promote peace, prosperity and justice as widely as possible. In the book terrorism ahead by Paul emboldening of terrorism after 9/11, the precedential reorganization in the world affairs. All the terrorist organization in 2023 are more well equipped and in greater in number as they were prior to the 9/11 attack.
Sometime terrorists used to hit the geopolitical fault line in order to get political end or the desired consequences that it leads towards greater conflict between two greater antagonistic states. For example in 2002 when the Indian parliament of Kashmir was destroyed by the suicide bombers then the political situations between Pakistan and India were at the hot spot and all the possible channels of diplomacy were used by the international community to protect the world from the
greater conflict of the two atomic nuclear states. Successfully after the United States delegates visit to Afghanistan and then Pakistan dissolve the issue diplomatically. The dangerous of conflict vanished off between Pakistan and India.
Terrorism is also used by state is a cynical lie to promote the national interest without any legal ground of objection. US attacked Libya after claiming Russia ignored requests to stop Libyan terrorism, while Russia asserted its right to commercial use of the Mediterranean. In the modern era state based terrorism makes the terrorists strong. In the previous time, it was believed that the quasi or weak state doesn't have the practical means to counter terrorism, but Kissinger view that state lakes sovereignty.
Islamic interpretation of terrorism from the book THE LIFE OF PROPHET written
by WAHID UD DIN
Any wordily study of the terrorism referred to jihad. It is an Arabic word which means struggle striving to further the worthy cause. In Islam jihad is a broader term which has various meanings and objectives. In some places it refers to taking care of parents, self-improvement , performing, daily religious and social activities. Islam is a religion of compromise rather than confrontation. In the modern era Islam is used as a tool to be used for achieving political ends. Defensive war is carried out by government to deal with the aggressor Islam doesn’t allow non-governmental organizations or individual to act against aggressor. These are considered as a terrorist and unlawful. Giving training, weapons, medicals, financial assistance to the terrorist organizations or non-state actors are considers as unlawful and illegitimate. State aggressive actions against the weaker in the name of human rights protection or weapons of mass destructions are illegitimate and come under the terrorism due to its political end.
Islamic Teaching:
SUICIDE bombing in the light of (MOLANA WAHI-UD-DIN) preference of death over life. The Muslim youth are explicitly involved in suicide bombing. It is a modern strategy used after the invention of explosive. In Islam life is precious and very important for the human being to keep protected; giving life by yourself is Haram in Islam. Suicide bombing attacks is curse Military strategy. In Saheh Muslim book a Muslim soldiers Quzmanaz Zufra in the life of the Holy Prophet (SAW) wage war against non-Muslim at the battle of Khyber. Who fought every movement very bravely and meet his death. The Holy prophet (SAW) companions said that He would go to Jenna but He (SAW) says that he would go to hell. When the companion determined the cause of his death he died from his own sword because of grieve, pain and unrecoverable health condition. Therefore it is extremely illegitimate in Islam to put one’s life to death intentionally emphasizes just to win over enemy. The non-government jihad is terrorism and it is extremely unlawful and illegitimate In Islam. Government can wage jihad as mentioned in the Fiqah book.
Give the ruler the right due to them and ask God for your right.
To declare war is the prerogative of an established society:
Muslim leader considered the rulers as the puppet of western structures and they are working for them, and these are the enemies of Islam. They engaged an overt and covert military comparing (guerrilla ware fare) against these rulers.
Another very interesting phenomenon of terrorism that is discussed in this book is waging a war against Muslim ruler. According to the writer waging war against Muslim ruler is Haram in Islam. There is no space in Islam to wage war against rulers even when they are diverted from the right path. The Holy Prophet predicted that after him a time would come when Muslim rulers would diverted , but then Muslim were not to engage in fighting to dispose them.
Anyone of you who finds in his ruler something which he disliked to remain out to be patient
Protection of child from Terrorism:
Proper interpretation:
Enforcement agencies and laws are not the only responsible entities to counter terrorism. Proper religious and political interpretation is the core responsibility of our society to prevent the dragging of the child minds into the ambit of serving in the spirits of religion for political purpose.
State control over media:
Social media content be filter out that contain violent and extremists elements..
Strict rules against terrorists using media. Strict internet surveillance shall be imposed on the suspected areas where terrorist operates.
Strong spiritual relationship with home child:
Establishing lovely relationship with child and telling them that you love them the most. It creates a sense of spirituals completeness in the mind which leads towards peace makers minds in society.
Religious discrimination of minorities:
Discrimination on the basis of religion in the develop states creates a sense of deprivation in the mind of children. It creates a sense of segregation and discrimination which ultimately leads towards radicalization. The policies of the develop states shall be based on pure secularism that allowed everyone to practice their religious obligation free from state stringent regulation.
Proper care of Orphans:
Proper set up shall be established by State and society for the protection of orphans from discrimination and exploitation in social and work place.
Monitors child online activities:
Monitoring the online activities of child is the core duty of the patrons (parents) to monitor child online activities which is a strong element of protecting child from extremism.
06 Interview with Dr Arooj Fatima
Dispelling myths is crucial. With a strong doctor-patient bond, trust is maintained, ensuring parents willingly engage in the treatment process.
1. Common Disorders?
In her 5+ years of psychiatric practice, Dr. Arooj Fatima has observed a prevalence of anxiety disorders, depression, and social anxiety in the adolescent age group. While panic attacks and ADHD also occur, they are less frequent. Vulnerability is notably present among 16 to 24-year-olds, with females showing a higher predisposition to anxiety. Contributing factors encompass financial difficulties, social inequalities, domestic violence, and challenging academic circumstances.
2. Parental Reactions?
Parents are initially reluctant due to stigma. Parents may become more aware of mental health issues through digital media, leading to increased understanding and recognition of symptoms in their children. They often consult counselors or teachers before psychiatrists. In rural areas, traditional faith healers are also approached. Educated parents notice changes and may consult a psychiatrist.
3. Advice to Parents?
Advice to parents is to observe their child's behavior without passing judgment. Instead of jumping to conclusions or resorting to online searches, take a thoughtful approach. Consider potential reasons for the changes, such as physical problems, bullying, sibling rivalry, or social inequality. It's essential to delve into environmental and social factors while also seeking appropriate medical treatment for comprehensive support.
4. Problems with Trusting and Confidentiality?
Students often struggle with trust and confidentiality issues. For instance, some may be reluctant to share experiences of bullying due to fear of the information being disclosed. Building trust and ensuring confidentiality is crucial for students to be open about such sensitive matters.
5. Untreated Mental Illness Since Childhood?
Untreated mental illnesses persist due to a lack of education and societal stigma. Many individuals seek help in their 20s or 30s, despite facing issues since childhood. The reluctance to address mental health concerns early is a challenge that can significantly impact the overall prognosis. Encouraging open discussions about mental health is crucial to prompt earlier intervention.
6. Mental Institution?
Deliberate self-harm, prevalent among 16 to 25-year-olds with disorders, prompts immediate action. Dr. Arooj Fatima stresses high-risk assessments, leading to potential admission to a psychiatric ward for safety. The ward serves to minimize harm, especially when patients pose risks to themselves or others. Continuous assessment and addressing underlying issues are vital for effective support within a psychiatric institution.
Summary: Dr. Arooj urges dispelling myths and fostering strong doctor-patient bonds for parental engagement in treatment. She also stresses observing without judgment for a thoughtful approach to children's mental health.
07 Child Trafficking
Child trafficking victims are selected, transported, transferred, harbored, or received with the intent of exploitation. They may be forced to work as domestic workers in sweatshops, on construction sites, or in homes; on the streets as child beggars, in wars as child soldiers, on farms, in travelling sales teams, or in restaurants and hotels. Some are forced to work in brothels and strip joints, or to provide escort and massage services.
A variety of causes contribute to child trafficking, making youngsters vulnerable to being duped and even willingly leaving their families. Some of the possible reasons of child trafficking include:
Poverty: One of the primary reasons of child trafficking is poverty. Child traffickers’ prey on vulnerable youngsters who can be coerced into human trafficking. Migrants fleeing conflict, persecution, and natural catastrophes are often among those living in extreme poverty. These persons may lack the financial resources to care for themselves or their family, rendering them vulnerable to human trafficking.
Gender: Gender influences what the child is being trafficked for. Due to varied but comparable cultural views towards women, females are significantly more likely to be trafficked into the sex trade. In certain nations, a girl's birth is not even recorded, and if she does not marry
young, she may be considered a burden to the family. Boys are more likely than girls to be abducted for forced manual labor, criminality, or to become child soldiers.
Profit and greed: While child trafficking is outlawed in 158 countries throughout the world, it is nonetheless extremely rewarding for those involved in its execution. Trafficking implies that labor is practically free or extremely cheap, and using children implies that they are more readily persuaded into performing what they are instructed.
Poor education levels and language barriers: Though a child from any background might be at danger of human trafficking, children from low-income homes are at a significantly higher risk.
One explanation for this is that they may be more readily misled about their rights. Furthermore, a lack of knowledge leads to lower employability, leaving them exposed to poverty and homelessness. Furthermore, if the youngster and their family do not comprehend the language spoken in the nation they are visiting, they are more vulnerable to deception.
How traffickers work: To acquire the trust of children, families, and communities, traffickers frequently groom them. They may also threaten or use violence against families. Children and families are frequently promised by traffickers that they would have a better future abroad.
Trafficking is also a financial crime. Traffickers may request money from families in exchange for documents or transportation, and they will benefit from the money a kid "earns" via exploitation, forced work, or criminality. They'll frequently be informed that the money is to pay off a debt that they or their family "owe" to the traffickers. Traffickers may:
• work alone or in small groups, recruiting a small number of children, often from areas they know and live in
• be medium-sized groups who recruit, move and exploit children and young people on a small scale
• be large criminal networks that operate internationally with high-level corruption, money laundering and a large number of victims.
Real-life story of Child Trafficking Victim
Asim, a victim of child sexual abuse, was reportedly sold into child trafficking by his stepfather when he was six years old, and he endured years of physical and psychological suffering as a result. Even after all the tragedies he has experienced, Asim has showed amazing resilience and persistence. He has repeatedly fled from his abductors, studied English to speak with potential allies, and put a lot of effort into obtaining an education. He is currently a grade 10 student and hopes to work as a psychologist to assist other young people who have experienced sexual assault.
Asim's tale serves as a reminder that hope can be found and hardship can be overcome, even in the direst circumstances. It is also a reminder of the importance of protecting children from all forms of violence and abuse.
07
How can parents keep kids safe from trafficking?
Build and maintain healthy relationships with your children. Spend quality time together and check in often. Many victims of trafficking are vulnerable because they are lonely, depressed and isolated. Healthy parental attachments reduce those vulnerabilities.
Talk to children early and often about healthy relationships and healthy sexual development.
Be vigilant about online safety. Traffickers are on all popular app kids love. Know exactly what your child is doing online and give them guidelines for what types of information are OK and not OK to post, who to chat with (known friends only) and who to block. Make sure you and your children turn off location services when posting on social media. Do not post photos that show what school they go to or what neighborhood you live in. Do not post photos of kids in swimwear, underwear or in the bath. Consider whether to use their name online and make sure social media accounts are private.
Keep educating yourself about trafficking.
Effects of Child Trafficking on Children
• Confusion and guilt over illegal or sexual activities they have participated in
• Distress and alienation, especially if the kid has been taken from their family
• Lack of education and socialization
• Physical ailment
• Developmental issues as a result of neglect and inadequate living circumstances
• Problems with mental health
• There is a high chance of protracted sexual violence, which can result in physical injuries, sexually transmitted illnesses, and pregnancies.
• Suicide attempts and self-harm
How Can Child Trafficking Victims be Identified?
Finding the common indicators of victims is essential to fighting human trafficking. Physical signs such as burn scars, visible bruises, extreme thinness, and tattoos associated with gangs are frequently indicative of child trafficking. In addition, victims may stop being interested in past interests or fail to respond to inquiries.
A community's high concentration of unaccompanied minors may also be a sign that child traffickers are active there. Fighting the issue may be aided by being aware that there are traffickers in the community and by being especially watchful for victim indicators and patterns of behavior.
08 Child Abuse And Labor
Child abuse is a problem that plagues societies all over the world. It can take many different forms, Child Labor is one of them.
Yet, there are some cases when a man is born, he is encaged in shackles by his society or his family. Child Labor is often defined as work or duties that denies children their childhood, their potential and energy and that is detrimental to their physical and mental health and development. Therefore, it is prohibited by legislation worldwide. Child age for employment to be considered as child labor varies from countries to countries. In United States, minimum age set for employment is 14 years. So children under 14 years age working at any platform falls under the definition of child labor.
Causes of child labor include
Poverty:
When we think about child labor, why it even exists in our world, the first reason that came into our mind is poverty. Poverty can force many people to do some hideous crimes and sending your
child to work at a young age is one of them. Maximum population of Pakistan is desperately poor that is about seventy percent, they do not have proper homes, proper cloths, proper food etc. most of these families send their young to work at a very young age. We can see children of these families some selling ordinary stuffs, some begging, some cleaning windshields of cars at almost every signal nowadays. These children are not fed well, not clothed well and have to earn for themselves to survive this cruel world.
Narrow mindness of parents and people: Another major reason is the narrow mindedness of parents. Many parents forced their children to go work at different places as children are usually thought to get more money. Children are forced by their parents to go earn money for their families and many young souls are thus trapped in continuous hours of work rather than learning and enjoying their days with their friends. Moving further back to rural areas of Pakistan, the areas where the condition of the people is very bad, where people must live through harsh times, in these areas’ child labor is
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greatly found in almost each and every house where children don’t have educational institution to teach them.
Children out of compulsion have to work non-stop and their precious childhood lost on the hands of labor and when these children come to adulthood, they enforce the same rules on their Childs and thus another generation is lost.
As Qudrat ul lah Shahab has written in his book “Shahab Nama”, A Nawab of some village came to him and complained that his rival has opened a school in his area
thus increasing the number of children going to school which is reducing the number of child labors working for him. This shows that how much these people are against education and love child labor.
Effects on Society:
Our society is effected by child labor in number of ways:
• Physical and Mental Health of Children
• Lost childhood
• Death incidents
• Sex Trade of Children
Children learn everything from their elders and if
someone is not seeking education and enjoying or making his life worst because of family instability other children of his society also wants to do that and because of that whole society will be destroyed.
And if I talked about child labor death incidents, they are also increasing day by day and creating fears in other children minds as well.
Recently, an eight years old domestic worker Zohra Shah who was just a small kid was killed by the couple named Hasan Siddiqui & her wife Umm e Kulsoom for mistakenly rele asing just
two parrots from the cage in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
Government policies against child labor:
In our daily lives, we often witness numerous children engaged in child labor, creating a misleading impression that it might be legal in Pakistan. However, this notion is far from the truth. In reality, child labor is strictly illegal in Pakistan. According to the laws in place, it is expressly prohibited to employ children under the age of 14, underscoring the importance of safeguarding the rights and well-being of the youngest members of our society. Despite these legal safeguards, the issue persists as a widespread problem, highlighting a significant gap in the implementation of these protective laws.
• It is written in the “Article 11(3)” of the Pakistan constitution that child labor of any kind is illegal.
• The Factories Act 1934.
• The West Pakistan Shops and Establishments Ordinance 1969.
• The Employment of Children Act 1991.
• The Bonded Labor System Abolition Act 1992.
• The Punjab Compulsory Education Act 1994.
DEMOGRAPHICS (FACTS):
• Pakistan is amongst the top ten countries having the issue of child labor.
• Children working under age of 16 years are 40 million in Pakistan.
• 50% of the children that are employed are under 10 years old.
• 73% of the children working are boys and rest of them are girls.
• According to 2005-2006 research, it is estimated that 37% of the children working are employed in the wholesale and retail industry in the urban areas and cities.
• 22% children work in service industry and 22% work in manufacturing.
• Child labor in Pakistan is most rampart in the city of Multan, which is most important city for export goods.
• Child labor is in tremendous amount in the city of Sialkot, which is very import for the export and production of sports goods.
• Almost 10,347 brick kilns are set in Punjab, and total of 126,779 children were identified at these sites.
• For almost half of the children working are not attending school
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Our Role and Solution:
As parents and caregivers, it's crucial to prioritize the well-being of our children by actively working to reduce child labor and abuse. Our responsibility starts at home – ensuring our own children, and other in our family are shielded from the burden of labor. Simultaneously, it's vital to discourage any instances of child labor we might encounter, urging factory and hotel owners to refrain from employing children. In cases where we come across
such violations, it becomes our duty to contact the authorities and report these incidents. Furthermore, if we observe children working in roles within our influence, such as domestic helpers or guards in our homes, we can contribute to their education by assisting with their educational fees. Those who are financially able should consider taking responsibility for at least one child's education, collectively playing a role in breaking the cycle of poverty that affects many families in our society.
Help the kid to reach to books
Tayyaba's Stand Against Child Labor: A Whisper No More
Source: BBC News
In the hidden parts of homes in Pakistan, where things aren't so bright and kids should be carefree, Tayyaba's story is like a scary proof of how bad things can get for kids who are made to work too much. Let's dig into her tough past, but remember, there's a spark of hope in her strong spirit, and now she's the one spreading the word to make things better.
Tayyaba's parents sent her to work because they had some financial problems. Her father had an accident, and her family needed money. They thought Tayyaba would just play with the judge's kids and get paid for it. However, things turned out very differently.
"I couldn't work and my wife needed an operation. We needed money, so I asked a friend and she suggested this family."
Tayyaba’s father Azam claims he was told Tayyaba would be paid just "to play" with the couple's young children. Even though children aren't supposed to work in homes according to the laws in Pakistan, many kids like Tayyaba end up doing house chores. They cook, clean, and take care of babies, and there are many others like her all over the country.
Some people even run businesses finding work for children. One woman named Irshad Bibi runs such a business.
She said: "I find work for children who are at least 12 years old, not younger than 10,"
"No parent wants their young child to go and work," Irshad Bibi said, "They're desperate... Here now is a parent crying, saying 'I am being thrown out of my house, I haven't even got 5,000 rupees , take my child and get her some work'.
"Say no to child labor, and yes to a future where every child can dream."
In Pakistan, criminal cases are often initiated by victims or their families rather than the state. This grants them the right to withdraw charges by proclaiming forgiveness "in the name of God," though it's commonly suspected that monetary incentives drive such decisions. In the case of Tayyaba, where Maheen Zafar and Judge Raja Khurram Ali were accused of assault and cruelty to a child, Tayyaba's father initially sought to drop the charges with the help of his lawyer, allegedly influenced by financial offers.
However, the Supreme Court intervened, ordering a trial. During her court testimony, Tayyaba maintained her allegations of abuse, stating that she had been burnt with an iron and deprived of a bed at night by the judge's wife. Despite her father's initial denial of Tayyaba informing him about the abuse, he later confessed to lying under pressure from the defendants' side, admitting to attempts of bribery. The defense lawyers dismissed the claims as malicious and false. Ultimately, Raja Khurram Ali and Maheen Zafar were convicted of neglecting an injured child and sentenced to one year in jail.
They were acquitted of all other charges, including assaulting Tayyaba. They remain free whilst they appeal the verdict.
Tayyaba now lives in a special place run by a group called SOS Children's Village. She goes to school there and is trying to forget the tough times she faced. But talking about what happened is still hard for her.
"Every child deserves a childhood filled with laughter, not labor."
At SOS Children's Village, one of the people taking care of Tayyaba, named Azmat, shared that it took some time for Tayyaba to believe she didn't have to work anymore. She used to think everyone would make her work and even hurt her. It took a while, but she finally understood that she could be a child again, without having to do difficult chores.
Tayyaba now dreams of becoming a teacher when she grows up because she believes children should be in school, not working. Her story reminds us to speak up against unfair treatment of children and work towards a world where every child can enjoy their childhood.
1 0 Substance Abuse in Kids
Substance abuse in children occurs when they use harmful substances excessively or inappropriately. This includes consuming too much alcohol, using drugs such as marijuana or pills, or even smoking cigarettes excessively or inappropriately. When kids misuse these substances, it can lead to serious health issues. It's crucial to offer support to stop this behavior before it worsens.
Prevalence and Trends:
The increasing occurrence of substance experimentation among teenagers, including alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, and vapes is on the rise, with approximately a quarter of eleven to fifteen-year-olds involved. This trend notably impacts the health and well-being of youths. Factors like family history, curiosity or challenging experiences drive this behavior. Identifying early signs of substance use, such as behavior changes or declining school performance, remains challenging but crucial. Understanding these trends is vital for implementing preventive measures and encouraging healthier choices.
Causes:
-Past family substance use can influence a teen's likelihood of trying drugs.
-Conditions such as depression or anxiety may lead teens to seek relief through illegal drugs.
-Teens with impulsive tendencies might be drawn to experimenting with substances due to their nature.
-Past experiences like accidents or abuse can trigger unhealthy drug use as a coping mechanism.
-Feeling a lack of worth or peer pressure might push teens towards experimenting with drugs.
-Easy access to substances like alcohol or prescription drugs tends to increase their usage among teens.
-Portrayals of drug use in the media significantly shape how teens perceive and consider drug use.
-Some teens turn to drugs to handle stress or feelings of isolation as a way of coping.
1 0
Consequences and Impact 1
1. Teen drug experimentation affects developing brains, notably impacting the brain's reward system.
2. Substance abuse heightens the risk of overdose, posing life-threatening emergencies and immediate dangers to a teen's well-being.
3. Detecting early signs of drug use is challenging but profoundly impacts a teen's mental well-being.
4. Negative outcomes include dependency, impaired judgment, risky behavior, mental health issues, impaired driving, and academic decline associated with various substances.
5. Teen drug abuse often results in long-term health problems, including heart issues, respiratory distress, and impaired brain function, posing significant risks to overall health and future well-being.
Prevention and Treatment 1 0
1. Monitor teen activities, encourage participation in supervised events, and promote involvement in positive endeavors to limit exposure to risky behaviors and peer pressure.
2. Establish and discuss family rules about substance use, emphasize safe decision-making, and offer guidance for handling situations involving drugs or alcohol.
3. Create a nurturing home atmosphere, provide consistent encouragement and foster strong parent-child bonds to build trust and facilitate open-ended conversations, effectively steering teens away from substance experimentation.
4. Customize treatments for addicted youth, addressing their specific needs, and involve families to support recovery through healthy coping strategies.
5. Initiate discussions with healthcare professionals or counselors to address substance abuse, exploring available treatment avenues and resources.
6. Evaluate rehabilitation programs in treatment plans, focusing on customized approaches that cater to the unique challenges and needs of addicted youth.
Resources
Combatting Pedophilia
How Can I Protect My Child from Sexual Assault? | RAINN What are the Effects of Child Sexual Abuse? | Bravehearts
• sexual child abusing | PDF (slideshare.net) https://tribune.com.pk/story/2435791/im-a-survivor-nadia-j amils-journey-on-healing-from-sexual-abuse-inspires-many #:~:text=In%20a%20moment%20of%20vulnerability,survivor %20to%20a%20%E2%80%9Cthriver.%E2%80%9D
• Teen drug abuse: Help your teen avoid drugs - Mayo Clinic https://childsafety.losangelescriminallawyer.pro/juvenile-crim e-and-substance-abuse.html#:~:text=Drug%20 addictions%20can%20be%20 very,still%20in%20the%20 developmental%20 stage.
Rozan Counseling Helpline nationwide provides a non-judgmental and confidential space to everyone, where they can call and share their concerns related to emotional and mental health, Violence Against Women (VAW), and girls and Child Sexual Abuse (CSA). Along with telephonic counseling, RCHL also provides in-person, online, and email counseling services. Rozan also organizes counseling camps in communities, shelter homes etc.
Tel: 0304 111 1741
Alternate numbers: 0800 22 444, 0333 5500 0401.
Non-immediate e-mail counseling is available via: helpline@rozan.org
Child Helpline, Child Protection and Welfare Bureau
What can parents do if they are concerned a child is being trafficked?
• Call the police.
• Contact the Human Trafficking Hotline.
• Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO) has established a helpline, "0333-1110566," which will serve as the main point of contact for victims of human trafficking and will offer free legal assistance in Pakistan.
• File a report with Child Protective Services.
• Head Office (CPWB), Anguri Bagh Scheme Shalimar Link Road Lahore, Ph: 042-99250285-6, Child Help Line: 042-1121
• Email: DGCHILDPROTECTIONBUREAU @GMAIL.COM
STOP CHIL ABUSE
"There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children." - Nelson Mandela
