May 27 is celebrated every year across Nigeria as Children’s Day. It is a day set aside as holiday for children in Nigeria  since 1964 to commemorate the healthy growth and happiness of children.
The day draws attention and brings to the fore awareness on problems  faced by children in Nigeria. It also marks a celebration of children helping us appreciate their roles as future leaders.
The theme for this year’s celebration is, “More Money for Primary Education “
To mark the day, The Tide went to town to get the views of  some children on issues affecting children in the society.
Here are excerpts of their views-
The Relevance Of Children To  Society

– Benjamin Charles
Children are gifts from God. We are a royal heritage of good fortune. Nature and its body cannot exist without us because we make it complete. We bring joy to homes and comfort to many.
The relevance of children to the society is numerous because without us there would not have been potential business tycoons of any sort. Without us there would not have been scientists and technologists who make life easier by their inventions, there would not have been doctors and nurses who look after the sick, lawyers who defend the helpless, teachers who impact knowledge on students, comedians and thespians who help relieve stress from people by making them laugh, counsellors who give advice to people and hope to the depressed.
Obviously without children the world would have been a boring place. Who would have grown to become leaders of tomorrow if not children. Who is it that helps their parents run errands if not children. There is a saying which states that “charity begins at home”. Adherence to good home training is the key to success which makes an individual a good ambassador but by negligence we become terrorists, fraudsters, hackers and so on.
Children need to be given more care and attention where ever they are, be it at home, school, religious places, market places and so on. By so doing parents and societal leaders would have ensured that they curb anything that would hinder the child from becoming a leader because children are the leaders of today, tomorrow and the years to come.
National Development And Child Training

– Abiante Justina Friday
Child education is the instruction, interference, consequences modelling or  correction given to a child to guide and secure them from the dangers lurking ahead. National development is the capacity of the country to raise the standard of living of it’s residents. It is also said to be the development of the country for its citizens to live their lives at the fullest. It can be achieved by providing individuals with basic livelihood requirement and supplying citizens with employment.
National development has helped the society and has diversely impacted greatly on the nation. It brings solution to problems such as eradicating poverty, promoting economic status of the state. It generates revenue by making companies and industries diverse in the country.
However, education is important and relevant to national development in many ways as it helps children become their best in their mind and spirit. It gives children a lot of knowledge in all fields of endeavours. Child education reduces crime rate as every child is impacted with more knowledge that makes them determined to succeed and become useful in the nearest future. Educaiton of children makes them responsible in the society.
Parents are to be held responsible for inadequate support given to their children or wards, because as guidians they are expected to be strict to their wards as they are the first social group in the society. Parents should train their children to be respectful. They should be treated equally as any form of discrimination may also lead to children being isolated and become violent, thereby keeping painful moments to themselves, enduring hard time, feeling neglected, taking wrong choices and engaging  themselves in things that may endanger their lives and the society.
This may lead  to frustration and  some may even get introduced to drugs by friends and peer groups which is bad to the society.
Teachers on the other hand also play vital role in the upbringing of future leaders. Training them inadequately may  lead to the children becoming terrorists and deviants not only to their famillies but the country at large. Teachers should desist from taking money from students as bribes to enable them pass their exams thereby making them half-baked students.
Also, the government should monitor teachers, especially those in the public sector thereby ensuring that they carry out their duties, also salaries should not be paid for work not properly done. Government should release more revenues which will aid training of  children on scholarship. They should also reach out to undergraduates who do not have sponsors through school, rather than letting them get involved in criminal activities, cultism, prostitution etc, just to fend for themselves in and out of school.
In conclusion, child education is very important to  national development, as child education determines the future of any nation. When  children are educated  they give back the goodness they have learnt to the society, but when they are not educated properly,they become liability to the nation and may equally bring very bad name to their parents and country.
The Impact Of Children In The Society

– Isaiah Nahum
Going by world’s population census figures, children constitute the largest population in the world. The society can not be built solely from the top but requires the activeness of our parents to invest in us when we are still young to ensure a good society and the betterment of our lives.
The impact of children in the society needs to be emphasised, this is because children give back to the society what have been impacted to them and they are the future of any society. The society should not play down or do lip service on the educational standard of the children because “knowledge is key”.
Since the amalgamation of Northern and Southern protectorates of Nigeria in 1914, the society has faced numerous challenges which emanated from the neglect of the children. They have been told that they are the leaders of tomorrow and builders of the society, yet there are no evidence of arrangements to equip them for leadership responsibility.
The society will feel the positive impact of children when they are mentally, politically, socially, technologically and scientifically equipped to compete with the recent developments in  “Developed Nations”. Our  nation, Nigeria is to invest bountifully in the formal education of the children and also give them the opportunity to develop their capacity through skill acquisition, entrepreneurship and exposure to skills.
Since an idle mind is  the devil’s workshop, investments on children if  not taken seriously, will only leave negative impact such as terrorism, prostitution and drug addiction on the society.
The society should always remember that “you reap what you sow”.
Crucial Roles Of Child Education
-Perpetual David
Child education is a crucial aspect of society as it plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of our destiny. It strengthens children with wisdom,acquired skills and morals and important for personal and societal development.
Education not only provide children with the tools to succeed academically but also equips them with important or essential life skills,cultivate their creativity, fosters critical thought, and nurtures their overall well-being. This essay implores the values of child education,emphasises its significance in building a prosperous and sustainable future for individuals and communities.
Child education empowers individuals to realise their full potential and pursue their aspirations. It equips them with foundational knowledge in various disciplines such as mathematics, science, literature, and history, which forms or produce the basis for further academic pursuits. Education enhances cognitive abilities and improves problems-solving skills and encourages intellectual curiosity.
It opens or clears doors to opportunities, enabling children to explore their interests and passions,and help them make informed decisions or choices about their future careers.
Education extends beyond academic achievements and instills essential life skills in children. It teaches them effective communication,team work, time management, and critical thinking skills that are vital for success in personal and professional life.These skills enable children to navigate challenges,adapt to changing circumstances and develop resilience.
Moreover,education provides them with financial literacy, digital literacy,and practical knowledge, empowering them to make responsible choices and become independent individuals capable of contributing to society.
Also,child education nurtures creativity and innovation,encouraging children to think outside the box and explore new ideas. It fosters imagination, artistic expression,and original thinking,helping children develop their unique talents and abilities.
Child education promotes social and emotional well-being, thereby fostering empathy, respect, and inclusivity. Schools and educational institutions provide environments that encourage social interaction,cooperation, and understanding among children from diverse entities.
Child education is vital for building sustainable communities. Education impact knowledge about environmental conservation, sustainable practices,and global challenges such as climate change. It fosters a sense of responsibility towards the environment and encourages children to become active contributors to creating a greener and more sustainable future. Education promotes live arrangement, democratic values,and social justice,empowering children to actively participate in community development and advocate for positive change.
In all,child education is of  utmost relevance in today’s world. It is a transformative force that equips children with the knowledge, skills and values necessary to navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected world. By investing in child education,societies can empower individuals, cultivate creativity and innovation, promote social and emotional well being,and build sustainable communities.
As we nurture the  minds of today’s children, we lay the foundation for a brighter,more prosperous future for generations to come. Therefore, it is imperative for governments, communities, and individuals to recognise the importance of child education and prioritise its provision for the holistic development of our societies and reduce the rise of crimes and vices in our society.

By: Ibinabo Ogolo

Last Monday, May 15, 2023 was celebrated as the International Day of Families. It is a day celebrated annually to promote the importance of families and their significant role in society. It is also a day to raise awareness about the social, economic and demographic changes that impact families worldwide.
The International Day of Families was first established by the United Nations in 1993 to raise awareness and serve as an opportunity to celebrate the unique bond and love that families share.
The theme of this year’s day was, “Demographic Trends and Families”.
Over the years, issues affecting families have been raised including poverty, access to healthcare, domestic violence, hunger and the overall challenges of raising children.
As part of preparations for the thirtieth anniversary of the International Year of the Family, 2024, the 2023 observance of the International Day of Families focused on major demographic changes and their impact on families . The event that took place at the United Nation’s headquarters, New York,  shared current knowledge about demographic trends, include ageing and intergenerational solidarity. Also, it facilitated the analysis of their impacts on family life and recommended family oriented policies that can respond to the needs of families around the world.
It is a well known fact that families are at the core of a society.  Promoting stronger families can strengthen our communities and the society at large.
The family raises children in their formative years until adulthood.  Without family, many would not be where they are today.
It is also known that family closeness helps individuals live longer and regulate personal emotions. This has led to taking care of extended family and also taking care of elders in their old age, which helps improve overall well-being of individuals, provide personal stress relief and help regulate the economy.
Also, family values which are guiding principles that inform how families make decisions and live their lives has been known to be important.
As children grow older, as they make their own decisions, their family values would give them strong moral compass to follow as they navigate different times in a world outside of their homes.
However, over the years, family values to a large extent has eroded.  Some core African values were the extended family system, hardwork, honesty, respect for elders in the society, integrity and discipline. Unfortunately, with the coming of civilisation in form of the internet, many families expecially in Nigeria are nonchalant in this  area, thereby raising children of questionable characters,  leaving behind our strong and positive family values.
Speaking in an interview with The Tide Kiddies/Young World Desk as part of activities marking the International Day of Families, Executive  Director, Heathy Life Development Initiative, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) based in Rivers State, Dr. Mfon Utin, stated that, family values have eroded greatly in the society with only about 40 percent of families still instilling family values to the younger ones.
Dr. Utin explained that the reason boils down to the fact that everybody is busy trying to make ends meet for their daily living, adding that, money is now the focus and concern for families is not there anymore.
She also explained that power  and achievement have taken family values off most of us, thereby affecting the young ones due to our busy schedules.
According to her, “right now, most children can not speak their native dialects,  children are not protected under the family because there is no love, connectivity and concern for each other. When there is no connectivity, children may likely take issues bothering them outside the home”.
The Executive Director  advised parents to make out time to train their children through capacity building and mentoring during their craddle ages, not as adults.
“Some families are over pampering their children.  They pay people to write WAEC or JAMB for their children, this type of pampering must stop. Parents and family members must have listening ears for the young ones in order to guide and monitor them during different stages of their lives”, she said.
She however called on families to celebrate the annual event for more unity, love, bonding and respect, adding that, “family is a bloodline. Without family, there will be no society, and though, there are some families that do not know themselves, if more awareness is attached to this celebration,it will help our society”, she said.

By: Ibinabo Ogolo

Child maltreatment is a serious global health problem with life long consequences.
It is the abuse and neglect that occurs to children under 18years of age by a parent,  caregiver or another person in a custodial role, especially in the hands of a clergy, coach and teacher, that results in harm, potential harm or threat of harm to a child.
According to a report by World Health Organisation (WHO), nearly 3 in 4 children or 300 million children aged 2 to 4 years regularly suffer physical punishment or psychological violence at the hands of parents and caregivers. Also, one in 5 women and 1 in 13 men report having been sexually abused as a child aged 0 to 17 years.
Subsequently, 120 million girls and young women under 20 years of age have suffered some form of forced sexual contact.
Some consequences of child maltreatment include impaired lifelong physical and mental health, and the social and occupational outcomes can ultimately slow a country’s economic and social development.
The report further stated that child maltreatment is often hidden and only a fraction of child victims of maltreatment ever gets support from health professionals.
“A child who is abused is more likely to abuse others as an adult so that violence is passed down from one generation to the next. It is therefore critical to break this cycle of violence, and in so doing create positive multi-generational impacts.
Preventing child maltreatment before it starts is possible and requires a multisectoral approach.
Effective prevention approaches include supporting parents and teaching positive parenting skills, and enhancing laws to prohibit violent punishment.
Ongoing care of children and families can reduce the risk of maltreatment reoccurring and can minimise its consequences”,the report stated.
The report explained that child maltreatment includes all types of physical or emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect, negligence and commercial or other exploitation, which results in actual or potential harm to the child’s health, survival, development or dignity in the context of a relationship of responsibility, trust or power.
In spite of recent national surveys in several low- and middle-income countries, data from many countries are still lacking. However, current estimates vary widely depending on the country and the method of research used.
International studies reveal that nearly 3 in 4 children aged 2-4 years regularly suffer physical punishment or psychological violence at the hands of parents and caregivers, and 1 in 5 women and 1 in 13 men report having been sexually abused as a child.
Every year, there are an estimated 40 150 homicide deaths in children under 18 years of age, some of which are likely due to child maltreatment. This number almost certainly underestimates the true extent of the problem, since a significant proportion of deaths due to child maltreatment are incorrectly attributed to falls, burns, drowning and other causes.
In armed conflict and refugee settings, girls are particularly vulnerable to sexual violence, exploitation and abuse by combatants, security forces, members of their communities, aid workers and others.
These include injuries, including head injuries and severe disability, in particular in young children; post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV. Adolescent girls may face additional health issues, including gynaecological disorders and unwanted pregnancy. Also affect cognitive and academic performance and is strongly associated with alcohol and drug abuse and smoking – key risk factors for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
It is important to emphasize that children are the victims and are never to blame for maltreatment.
However,to maximize the effects of prevention and care, WHO recommends that interventions are delivered as part of a four-step public health approach: defining the problem; identifying causes and risk factors; then, designing and testing interventions aimed at minimising the risk factors; disseminating information about the effectiveness of interventions and increasing the scale of proven effective interventions.
Meanwhile, in another research, medically reviewed recently in 2022, a medical doctor of the State University of New York Medical University, Alicia Perkarsky said that causes of child maltreatment are varied.
Abuse and neglect are often associated with physical injuries, delayed growth and development, and mental health issues. She stated that, diagnosis is based on history, physical examination, and sometimes laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging. Management of the issue  includes documentation and treatment of any injuries and physical and mental health conditions, mandatory reporting to appropriate government agencies, and sometimes hospitalization and/or foster care to keep the child safe.
Perkarsy stated that in  2020, 3.9 million reports of alleged child maltreatment were made to Child Protective Services (CPS) in the US involving 7.1 million children. About 2.1 million of these reports were investigated in detail, and about 618,000 maltreated children were identified . Maltreatment rates were higher among girls (8.9 per 1000 girls) than boys (7.9 per 1000 boys). The younger the child is, the higher the rate of victimization (about 29% were age 2 or younger).
Also, about two thirds of all reports to Child Protective Services were made by professionals who are mandated to report maltreatment (educators, law enforcement personnel, social services personnel, legal professionals, day care providers, medical or mental health personnel, foster care providers).
“Of substantiated cases in the US in 2020, 76.1% involved neglect (including medical neglect), 16.5% involved physical abuse, 9.4% involved sexual abuse, and 0.2% involved sex trafficking. Many children were victims of multiple types of maltreatment.
About 1750 children died in the US of maltreatment in 2020, about half of whom were < 1 year old. About 73% of these children were victims of neglect and 43% were victims of physical abuse with or without other forms of maltreatment. About 80% of perpetrators were parents acting alone or with other individuals .
Potential perpetrators of child maltreatment are defined slightly differently in different US states, but, in general, to legally be considered abuse, actions must be done by a person responsible for the child’s welfare. Thus, parents and other relatives, people living in the child’s home who have occasional responsibility, teachers, bus drivers, counselors, and so forth may be perpetrators. People who commit violence against children who they have no connection to or responsibility for ( as in school shootings) are guilty of assault, murder, and so forth but legally are not committing child abuse”,she stated.
Here, in Nigeria, in a recent study by a researcher, Chiluba Edo of the Golden Gate University, School of Law noted that, child abuse and neglect is prevalent in the everyday life of a child but it receives little or no attention by the society. This is as a result of the emphasis placed on the more prevalent childhood problems of malnutrition and infection. The study observed that another possible reason is the general assumption that in every African society the extended family system always provides love, care and protection to all children. Yet, there are traditional child rearing practices which adversely affect a child. With the alteration of society by rapid socioeconomic and political changes, various forms of child abuse have been identified and have been considered the outcome of abnormal interactions between the child, parents/guardians and society. These, the study noted  include abandonment of normal infants by unmarried or very poor mothers in cities, increased child labour and exploitation of children from rural areas in urban elite families, and abuse of children in urban nuclear families by childminders. Preventive measures include provision of infrastructural facilities and employment opportunities in the rural areas in order to prevent drift of the young population to the cities. This would sustain the supportive role of the extended family system which is rapidly being eroded. There is also  need for greater awareness of the existence of child abuse in the community by health and social workers”,the study noted

By: Ibinabo Ogolo