Children in Kenya are facing the greatest disruption to their education after schools were closed indefinitely nearly three months ago due to corona virus. The virus has disrupted the environments in which children grow and develop. Disruptions to families, friendships, daily routines and the wider community can have negative consequences for children’s well-being, development and protection. In addition, measures used to prevent and control the spread of COVID-19 can expose children to protection risks
Risks presented by COVID-19
- Reduced supervision and neglect of children
- Increase in child abuse and domestic/interpersonal violence
- Increased risk of sexual exploitation of children, including sex for assistance, commercial sexual exploitation of children and forced early marriage
- Distress of children due to the death, illness, or separation of a loved one or fear of disease
- Increased engagement of children in hazardous or exploitative labour
- Increased risk/limited support to children in conflict with the law, including those in detention
- Increased exposure to online social media
A shift in focus is needed to avoid an irreversible scarring of a generation. Parents and guardians to constantly monitor the whereabouts of their children at all times and be wary of the content they access online, since most of it would be harmful & detrimental to their live. Parents should seek counseling services for their children.
For more information on how to protect your child click here
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