The Neglect of Adolescent Neglect.

Abstract

This comment paper aims to highlight the prevalence of adolescent neglect. As a society, do we underestimate that adolescence is a time of vulnerability for some young people that can be significantly impacted by neglect and abuse? Child abuse crosses all societal spectrums, and it does not discriminate against age or gender making it one of the largest public health priorities seen globally (UNICEF, 2014). The concept of “child abuse” traditionally conjures images of children, often sad and unkempt. Certainly, in western society, there seems to be a public perception that it is predominantly younger children who are the victims of abuse, yet older children aged between 10 and 17 account for over a third of all children who are subject to child protection plans in England (Department for Education [DfE], 2021). Child abuse, particularly neglect, is widely debated. Many factors influence perceptions of neglect, including demographics, past experiences, and societal norms (Frost, 2021). Historically, it could be viewed that acceptance and tolerance of child neglect has lessened over time, however, to effectively analyze this notion, childhood as a concept must be explored and understood (Cunningham, 2020). Children have been the victims of exploitation and abuse throughout history. In its simplest terms, neglect is a failure to meet the basic needs of a child or young person. Neglect has been highlighted in serious case reviews (SCRs) as a significant contributing factor in many cases, but in the adolescent age range, it is pointedly higher (Brandon et al., 2013; Sidebotham et al., 2016). Adolescent neglect is a phenomenon that is frequently disregarded, yet widely acknowledged as having a negative impact upon development and outcomes for young people and adults (Naughton et al., 2017). In the UK, the Munro review of Child Protection (Munro, 2011) provided clear recognition of the unique risks faced by adolescents, with recommendation to all professionals for vigilance and the need for customized early interventions. Hicks and Stein (2015) importantly note that, within the United Kingdom (UK), academic exploration of the neglect of children has tended to focus on the issue in its entirety, as opposed to considering adolescent neglect as a separate concern. Comparative enquiry with the United States of America (USA) prompts similar findings, reflective of UK literature (Vanderminden et al., 2019). Childhood is a period of rapid developmental changes, and it requires a more nuanced approach; this is of particular significance when considering definitions for neglect, combined with stages of development, and the age of the child. Adolescence is a point of momentous transition socially, psychologically, emotionally, and biologically. Whilst there is