Browsing by Author "ONUEGBU, C. Maryann"

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    Children in Stressful Situations in Nigeria: Child Abuse as a Focus for Development
    (Journal of Geography, Environment & Planning. Department of Geography and Planning Science, Faculty of the Social Sciences, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti., 2017-08) Muhammed Abubakar Yinusa; Raji Abdullateef; ONUEGBU, C. Maryann
    Childhood is the most basic and fundamental stage in the developmental process of humans. It is the stage where humans are first introduced to social values, and learning to cope with the society, takes place. Care, love and security ought to be provided to children, as this would modify them and help them cope with social realities in the future. The Nigerian Child Act of2003 prohibits acts capable of violating the child's rights. The prohibition is against child marriage, tattoos, skin marks, betrothal etc. However, the country still records a high rate of neglect and abuse of children which implies an overwhelming level of child stress in the country; this is the rationale behind this article. This paper discusses the incidence and the causes of child stress in Nigeria, paying particular attention to child abuse. Attachment theory was employed to explain the effects of child stress. The paper suggests that re-orientation programmes, more research and policy formations contributions from concerned non-governmental institutions, and more focus on education would help to control the situation.