In light of the recent kidnapping of 6-year-old Leo Jia Hui at the Bon Odori event in Johor Bahru on July 20, I want to address the profound psychological impacts such traumatic events can have on young children.
Drawing from my experience in psychology and child advocacy, I have observed several potential effects that such incidents can have, including trauma and PTSD, heightened fear and anxiety, trust issues, emotional distress, behavioral changes, developmental regression, and impacts on academic and social life. These effects can significantly influence a child’s overall well-being and development.
Early intervention with a mental health professional is essential to support recovery and help the child navigate these challenges. I firmly believe that a child’s resilience is shaped by the support and understanding they receive after trauma. Early intervention can truly make a difference.
To address parental concerns and enhance child safety, I recommend several practical preventive measures. It is crucial to educate children about safety, establish clear boundaries, encourage open communication, develop emergency plans, ensure supervised play, teach identification information, use family code words, utilize technology, foster community engagement, and establish safe zones.
Education is our first line of defense. By empowering children with knowledge, we equip them to face potential dangers. Studies have shown that comprehensive safety education and community engagement can significantly reduce the risk of child abduction. For instance, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children reports that 94% of attempted abductions were thwarted by preventive measures taught to children, such as screaming, kicking, and running away.
The strategies I propose are backed by data. Alongside the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s findings, UNICEF data indicates that approximately 1 in 4 children globally are exposed to violence annually. This underscores the critical importance of safety education and community engagement.
By equipping children with knowledge and tools to protect themselves, while fostering supportive communities, we can create a secure environment where children can thrive. Preventive measures are not just about avoiding danger; they are about building a foundation of trust and security for our children.
At SEGi University, our programmes in Education and Psychology focus on empowering students with the skills and knowledge necessary to foster safe and supportive environments. We emphasize the importance of community engagement and preventive education to equip future educators and psychologists to make a significant impact in their communities.
About the Author
Datin Prof. Dr. Mariani Md Nor is a renowned local and international expert in Early Childhood Education. She is a Professor and the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Languages, Psychology, and Music at SEGi University, Malaysia. Dr. Mariani holds a Ph.D. in Children Cognitive Psychology from the University of Bristol and has over 30 years of experience in the field.
Formerly, she was the Dean at the University of Malaya, where she led the faculty to achieve a QS World University Ranking of 41. Dr. Mariani currently serves as the President of the ECCE Council Malaysia and the Chairperson of the Standard Programme MQA in Early Childhood Education. She has published extensively, received numerous awards, and supervised many postgraduate students, including those pursuing PhDs and Masters degrees.