Research Article
BibTex RIS Cite

The Impact Of The COVID-19 Pandemic On Children's Rights And Psychosocial Status

Year 2026, Volume: 17 Issue: 1 , 127 - 139 , 20.04.2026
https://doi.org/10.22312/sdusbed.1809430
https://izlik.org/JA96AK48DG

Abstract

Objective: Children's rights emerged with the recognition of human rights and constitutional fundamental rights for children under eighteen. This study aimed to evaluate the attitudes and behaviors of parents towards children at home during the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of violation of children’s rights.
Material and Method
Parents whose children were hospitalized in the University Hospital Pediatric Service between January 2023 and June 2023 were included in the study (n: 3273). Parents with children with special needs, children aged between 0 and 36 months old, parents who did not want to participate in the study were not included in the study (n: 2733). There were 540 parents. Researchers administered a 38-question questionnaire, which is built by taking into our cultural condition account, to parents at the University Hospital Pediatrics Service.
Results
Among the participants, 70.4% were mothers, and 29.6% were fathers. The analysis indicated that fathers who took part in the survey engaged in child abuse less frequently than mothers at a statistically significant level. Furthermore, the severity of punishment administered by fathers to their children was statistically significantly lower than that of mothers. Regarding stress levels, 7.6% of mothers and 13.8% of fathers stated they weren’t stressed.
Conclusion: In our study, it was found that 24.1% experienced verbal or physical violence within the family during the pandemic period. Analysis of the survey results indicates that the educational level of participating mothers and fathers does not show a statistically significant difference in the severity of punishment, the extent of child abuse, exposure to abuse by their own parents, or experiences of abuse.

References

  • 1. Dirican R. Childhood and children’s rights in the historical process. Journal of Child and Development. 2018;2(2):51-62.
  • 2. Tuna C. Multidisciplinary approach to children's rights. (In Children's Rights with an Interdisciplinary Approach) Türkiye: Pegem A Publisher; 2020:75-98.
  • 3. Ayhan M. The Effect of The Children’s Rights Curriculum Prepared for The Families of Preschool Children on The Attitude of Your Parents Children's Rights [master thesis]. Istanbul: Yıldız Technical University; 2021.
  • 4. Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Türkiye; Circular on coronavirus measures to 81 provincial governorships [Internet]. [cited 2023 April 21] Available from: https://www.icisleri.gov.tr/81-il-valiligine-koronavirus-tedbirleri-konulu-ek-genelge
  • 5. Karakoç Demirkaya S. Effects of forced migration on child mental health. Turkish J Clin Psy. 2020; 23(1): 5-6.
  • 6. Bradbury‐Jones C, Isham L. The pandemic paradox: The consequences of COVID‐19 on domestic violence. J Clin Nurs. 2020;29(13-14):2047. doi: 10.1111/jocn.15296.
  • 7. Dağ H, Doğan M, Sazak S, Kaçar A, Yılmaz B, Doğan A, et al. Current approach to children's rights. Cukurova Medical Journal. 2015;40(1):1-5.
  • 8. Güler N, Uzun S, Boztaş Z, Aydoğan S. The behaviours of mothers who perform physical or emotional abuse/neglect of their children. CMJ. 2002; 24 (3):128 – 134
  • 9. Bilgen FG, Karasu F. Physical and emotional abuse / neglect behavior to children by their mothers Journal of Social Sciences, 2017; 7(13):22-34.
  • 10. Yıldırım I. The Knowledge, Attitude and Awareness Levels of Parents about Child Abuse and Neglect. [medical speciality thesis]. Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, Eskisehir; 2019
  • 11. Türken M, Köse Ş. COVID-19 Transmission and prevention. Tepecik Eğit. ve Araşt. Hast. Dergisi 2020;30 (Supplementary issue):36-42 doi:10.5222/terh.2020.02693
  • 12. Salt E, Wiggins AT, Cooper GL, Benner K, Adkins BW, Hazelbaker K, et al. A comparison of child abuse and neglect encounters before and after school closings due to SARS-Cov-2. Child Abuse & Neglect 118 (2021) 105132
  • 13. Ay Zög D. Relationship Between The Perception Of Children's Rights And Academic Success Of Students (Beyoğlu district of Istanbul sample) [master thesis]. Istanbul: Beykent University; 2008.
  • 14. Vaghri Z, Tessier Z, Whalen C. Refugee and asylum-seeking children: Interrupted child development and unfulfilled child rights. Children. 2019;6(11):120.
  • 15. Şengül S, Baykan H. Depression, anxiety and stress coping attitudes of mothers of mentally retarded children. Kocatepe Medical Journal. 2013;14(1):30-9.
  • 16. Martínez Libano J, Mercedes Yeomans M. Couples satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review. Psychology And Education (2021) 58(5), ISSN 1553 - 6939.
  • 17. Özdemir Y. The study of the effects of parents' COVID-19 fear and spousal burnout level on the parent child relationship [master thesis]. Istanbul: Uskudar University; 2023.
  • 18. Weir K. Life after COVID-19: making space for growth. American Psychological Association. 2020;51(4).
  • 19. Cluver L, Lachman JM, Sherr L, Wessels I, Krug E, Rakotomalala S, et al. Parenting in a time of COVID-19. Lancet. 2020 Mar 25;395(10231):e64. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30736-4
  • 20. Başaran M, Aksoy AB. Parents' views on family life during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The Journal of International Social Research. 2020;13(71), 668-678
  • 21. Toplumsal Gelişim ve Eğitim Vakfı (YÖRET)Violence against children during the Covid-19 pandemic period and analysis report [Internet]. [cited 2021 April 20] Available from: https://www.stgm.org.tr/ [online]. Available at: 1711202014242337.pdf (stgm.org.tr)
  • 22. The impact of COVID-19 on children and child-oriented social policies. [Internet]. [cited 2023 June 30] Available from:https://www.tesev.org.tr.
  • 23. Telli SG, Altun D. The coronavirus and the rising of online education. Journal of University Research. 2020;3(1):25-34.
  • 24. Aydın O. Effects of COVID-19 pandemic on children. TEAD, 2021; 1 (2): 163-195 (e-ISSN 2791-6391); DOI: 10.29228/tead.11
  • 25. Thorell L, Skoglund CB, de la Peña AG, Baeyens D, Fuermaier A, Groom M, et al. Psychosocial effects of homeschooling during the COVID-19 pandemic: Differences between seven European countries and between children with and without mental health conditions. [Internet]. [cited 2023 May 28] Available from: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/68pfx
  • 26. Kasıkçı D, Çağıltay K, Karakuş T, Kurşun E, Ogan C. Internet habits and safe Internet use of children in Turkey and Europe. Egitim ve Bilim-education and Science. 2014;39(171).230-243.
  • 27. The Guardian; [Internet]. [cited 2023 May 2] Available from: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/mar/28/lockdowns-world-rise-domestic-violence#:~:text=The%20increased%20threat%20to%20women,pose%20a%20particularly%20grave%20challenge).
  • 28. Ma M, Orsi R, Brooks-Russell A. Is household unemployment associated with increased verbal and physical child abuse during the COVID Pandemic? Child Maltreat. 2023;28(1):7-12.
  • 29. Gumusgul O, Aydoğan R. Recreational games to be played at free time period staying home due to novel coronavirus-covid 19. Journal of Sports Education. 2020;4(1):107-14.
  • 30. Uslu S, Karavelioğlu MB, Gumusgul O. Traditional recreational games: suggestions during staying home due to novel Coronavirus-COVID 19. Journal of Sport and Recreation Researches. 2020; 2(SI1):14-25
  • 31. Özaykan EE, Pala E, Ersoy S. 2021. Internet addiction and quality of life of adolescents who apply to family medicine outpatient clinics during the covid-19 pandemic process. BSJ Health Sci, 4(3): 282-288.
  • 32. UNICEF. Routine immunization should continue for every child. [Internet]. [cited 2023 September 30] Available from: www.unicefturk.org.
  • 33. Keser N, Odabaş E, Elibüyük S. The evaluation of parents’ knowledge about child abuse. Turkish Journal of Pediatric Disease. 2010;4(3):150-7.
  • 34. Kılıç M. The Effect of Awareness Level of Parents on Child Abuse on Parent-Child Relationship [master Thesis]. Malatya:Inonu University Health Science Institute; 2020.
  • 35. Yücel AB. Investigation of The Awareness Levels of Parents on Domestic Child Neglect and Abuse [master Thesis]. Konya: Karatay University; 2021.
  • 36. Ravens-Sieberer U, Kaman A, Otto C, Adedeji A, Devine J, Erhart M, et al. Mental health and quality of life in children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic—results of the COPSY study. Deutsches Ärzteblatt International. 2020;117(48):828.
  • 37. Campbell AM. An increasing risk of family violence during the COVID-19 pandemic: Strengthening community collaborations to save lives. Forensic science international: reports. 2020;2:100089.
  • 38. Sediri S, Zgueb Y, Ouanes S, Ouali U, Bourgou S, Jamali R, Nacef F. Women’s mental health: acute impact of COVID-19 pandemic on domestic violence. Arch Womens Ment Health. 2020;23(6):749–56.
  • 39. Kourti A, Stavridou A, Panagouli E, Psaltopoulou T, Spiliopoulou C, Tsolia M et al. Domestic Violence During the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse 2023; 24(2):719-745
  • 40. Hahm HC, Guterman NB. The emerging problem of physical child abuse in South Korea. Child Maltreat. 2001;6(2):169-79.
  • 41. Youssef RM, Attia MS-E-D, Kamel MI. Children experiencing violence I: Parental use of corporal punishment. Child abuse & neglect. 1998;22(10):959-73.
  • 42. Kim J. Type-specific intergenerational transmission of neglectful and physically abusive parenting behaviors among young parents. Children and Youth Services Review. 2009;31(7):761-7.
  • 43. Kızıltepe R. Examining the intergenerational transmission of child abuse and neglect within the framework of the Ecological-Interactional Model [master Thesis]. Izmir: Ege University; 2021.
  • 44. Solak Z. Analysis Of Graduate Thesis On Children's Rights In Turkey By Meta-Synthesis [master Thesis]. Tokat: Gaziosmanpasa University; 2023.
  • 45. Grzejszczak J, Gabryelska A, Gmitrowicz A, Kotlicka-Antczak M, Strzelecki D. Are children harmed by being locked up at home? The impact of isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic on the phenomenon of domestic violence. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health. 2022;19(21):13958.
  • 46. Rodriguez CM, Lee SJ, Ward KP, Pu DF. The perfect storm: Hidden risk of child maltreatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Child Maltreat. 2021 May;26(2):139-51.

COVID-19 Pandemi Dönemi Çocukların Haklarına ve Psikososyal Durumuna Etkisi

Year 2026, Volume: 17 Issue: 1 , 127 - 139 , 20.04.2026
https://doi.org/10.22312/sdusbed.1809430
https://izlik.org/JA96AK48DG

Abstract

Giriş: Çocuk hakları, on sekiz yaş altı çocuklar için insan hakları ve anayasal temel hakların tanınması ile ortaya çıkmıştır. Bu çalışma, COVID-19 pandemisi sürecinde ebeveynlerin evde çocuklara yönelik tutum ve davranışlarını çocuk hakları ihlali açısından değerlendirmeyi amaçlamıştır.
Gereç ve Yöntem
Ocak 2023 ile Haziran 2023 tarihleri arasında çocukları Üniversite Hastanesi Çocuk Servisi’nde yatan ebeveynler çalışmaya dahil edilmiştir (n: 3273). Özel gereksinimli çocuğu olan ebeveynler, 0-36 aylık çocuğu olan ebeveynler, çalışmaya katılmak istemeyen ebeveynler çalışmaya dahil edilmemiştir (n: 2733). Toplam 540 ebeveyn vardı. Araştırmacılar, kültürel durumumuzu dikkate alarak oluşturdukları 38 soruluk bir anketi Üniversite Hastanesi Pediatri Servisi’nde ebeveynlere uygulamıştır.
Bulgular
Katılımcıların %70,4’ü anne, %29,6’sı ise babadır. Analiz, ankete katılan babaların annelere göre istatistiksel olarak anlamlı düzeyde daha az çocuk istismarı gerçekleştirdiğini göstermiştir. Ayrıca, babaların çocuklarına uyguladıkları cezanın şiddeti annelere göre istatistiksel olarak anlamlı düzeyde daha düşüktür. Stres düzeyleri ile ilgili olarak, annelerin %7,6’sı ve babaların %13,8’i stresli olmadıklarını belirtmiştir.
Sonuç: Çalışmamızda pandemi döneminde %24.1 oranında aile içinde sözel veya fiziksel şiddet yaşandığı saptanmıştır. Anket sonuçlarının analizi, katılımcı anne ve babaların eğitim düzeylerinin cezanın ciddiyeti, çocuk istismarının boyutu, kendi ebeveynleri tarafından istismara maruz kalma veya istismar deneyimleri açısından istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir fark taşımadığını göstermektedir.

References

  • 1. Dirican R. Childhood and children’s rights in the historical process. Journal of Child and Development. 2018;2(2):51-62.
  • 2. Tuna C. Multidisciplinary approach to children's rights. (In Children's Rights with an Interdisciplinary Approach) Türkiye: Pegem A Publisher; 2020:75-98.
  • 3. Ayhan M. The Effect of The Children’s Rights Curriculum Prepared for The Families of Preschool Children on The Attitude of Your Parents Children's Rights [master thesis]. Istanbul: Yıldız Technical University; 2021.
  • 4. Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Türkiye; Circular on coronavirus measures to 81 provincial governorships [Internet]. [cited 2023 April 21] Available from: https://www.icisleri.gov.tr/81-il-valiligine-koronavirus-tedbirleri-konulu-ek-genelge
  • 5. Karakoç Demirkaya S. Effects of forced migration on child mental health. Turkish J Clin Psy. 2020; 23(1): 5-6.
  • 6. Bradbury‐Jones C, Isham L. The pandemic paradox: The consequences of COVID‐19 on domestic violence. J Clin Nurs. 2020;29(13-14):2047. doi: 10.1111/jocn.15296.
  • 7. Dağ H, Doğan M, Sazak S, Kaçar A, Yılmaz B, Doğan A, et al. Current approach to children's rights. Cukurova Medical Journal. 2015;40(1):1-5.
  • 8. Güler N, Uzun S, Boztaş Z, Aydoğan S. The behaviours of mothers who perform physical or emotional abuse/neglect of their children. CMJ. 2002; 24 (3):128 – 134
  • 9. Bilgen FG, Karasu F. Physical and emotional abuse / neglect behavior to children by their mothers Journal of Social Sciences, 2017; 7(13):22-34.
  • 10. Yıldırım I. The Knowledge, Attitude and Awareness Levels of Parents about Child Abuse and Neglect. [medical speciality thesis]. Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, Eskisehir; 2019
  • 11. Türken M, Köse Ş. COVID-19 Transmission and prevention. Tepecik Eğit. ve Araşt. Hast. Dergisi 2020;30 (Supplementary issue):36-42 doi:10.5222/terh.2020.02693
  • 12. Salt E, Wiggins AT, Cooper GL, Benner K, Adkins BW, Hazelbaker K, et al. A comparison of child abuse and neglect encounters before and after school closings due to SARS-Cov-2. Child Abuse & Neglect 118 (2021) 105132
  • 13. Ay Zög D. Relationship Between The Perception Of Children's Rights And Academic Success Of Students (Beyoğlu district of Istanbul sample) [master thesis]. Istanbul: Beykent University; 2008.
  • 14. Vaghri Z, Tessier Z, Whalen C. Refugee and asylum-seeking children: Interrupted child development and unfulfilled child rights. Children. 2019;6(11):120.
  • 15. Şengül S, Baykan H. Depression, anxiety and stress coping attitudes of mothers of mentally retarded children. Kocatepe Medical Journal. 2013;14(1):30-9.
  • 16. Martínez Libano J, Mercedes Yeomans M. Couples satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review. Psychology And Education (2021) 58(5), ISSN 1553 - 6939.
  • 17. Özdemir Y. The study of the effects of parents' COVID-19 fear and spousal burnout level on the parent child relationship [master thesis]. Istanbul: Uskudar University; 2023.
  • 18. Weir K. Life after COVID-19: making space for growth. American Psychological Association. 2020;51(4).
  • 19. Cluver L, Lachman JM, Sherr L, Wessels I, Krug E, Rakotomalala S, et al. Parenting in a time of COVID-19. Lancet. 2020 Mar 25;395(10231):e64. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30736-4
  • 20. Başaran M, Aksoy AB. Parents' views on family life during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The Journal of International Social Research. 2020;13(71), 668-678
  • 21. Toplumsal Gelişim ve Eğitim Vakfı (YÖRET)Violence against children during the Covid-19 pandemic period and analysis report [Internet]. [cited 2021 April 20] Available from: https://www.stgm.org.tr/ [online]. Available at: 1711202014242337.pdf (stgm.org.tr)
  • 22. The impact of COVID-19 on children and child-oriented social policies. [Internet]. [cited 2023 June 30] Available from:https://www.tesev.org.tr.
  • 23. Telli SG, Altun D. The coronavirus and the rising of online education. Journal of University Research. 2020;3(1):25-34.
  • 24. Aydın O. Effects of COVID-19 pandemic on children. TEAD, 2021; 1 (2): 163-195 (e-ISSN 2791-6391); DOI: 10.29228/tead.11
  • 25. Thorell L, Skoglund CB, de la Peña AG, Baeyens D, Fuermaier A, Groom M, et al. Psychosocial effects of homeschooling during the COVID-19 pandemic: Differences between seven European countries and between children with and without mental health conditions. [Internet]. [cited 2023 May 28] Available from: https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/68pfx
  • 26. Kasıkçı D, Çağıltay K, Karakuş T, Kurşun E, Ogan C. Internet habits and safe Internet use of children in Turkey and Europe. Egitim ve Bilim-education and Science. 2014;39(171).230-243.
  • 27. The Guardian; [Internet]. [cited 2023 May 2] Available from: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/mar/28/lockdowns-world-rise-domestic-violence#:~:text=The%20increased%20threat%20to%20women,pose%20a%20particularly%20grave%20challenge).
  • 28. Ma M, Orsi R, Brooks-Russell A. Is household unemployment associated with increased verbal and physical child abuse during the COVID Pandemic? Child Maltreat. 2023;28(1):7-12.
  • 29. Gumusgul O, Aydoğan R. Recreational games to be played at free time period staying home due to novel coronavirus-covid 19. Journal of Sports Education. 2020;4(1):107-14.
  • 30. Uslu S, Karavelioğlu MB, Gumusgul O. Traditional recreational games: suggestions during staying home due to novel Coronavirus-COVID 19. Journal of Sport and Recreation Researches. 2020; 2(SI1):14-25
  • 31. Özaykan EE, Pala E, Ersoy S. 2021. Internet addiction and quality of life of adolescents who apply to family medicine outpatient clinics during the covid-19 pandemic process. BSJ Health Sci, 4(3): 282-288.
  • 32. UNICEF. Routine immunization should continue for every child. [Internet]. [cited 2023 September 30] Available from: www.unicefturk.org.
  • 33. Keser N, Odabaş E, Elibüyük S. The evaluation of parents’ knowledge about child abuse. Turkish Journal of Pediatric Disease. 2010;4(3):150-7.
  • 34. Kılıç M. The Effect of Awareness Level of Parents on Child Abuse on Parent-Child Relationship [master Thesis]. Malatya:Inonu University Health Science Institute; 2020.
  • 35. Yücel AB. Investigation of The Awareness Levels of Parents on Domestic Child Neglect and Abuse [master Thesis]. Konya: Karatay University; 2021.
  • 36. Ravens-Sieberer U, Kaman A, Otto C, Adedeji A, Devine J, Erhart M, et al. Mental health and quality of life in children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic—results of the COPSY study. Deutsches Ärzteblatt International. 2020;117(48):828.
  • 37. Campbell AM. An increasing risk of family violence during the COVID-19 pandemic: Strengthening community collaborations to save lives. Forensic science international: reports. 2020;2:100089.
  • 38. Sediri S, Zgueb Y, Ouanes S, Ouali U, Bourgou S, Jamali R, Nacef F. Women’s mental health: acute impact of COVID-19 pandemic on domestic violence. Arch Womens Ment Health. 2020;23(6):749–56.
  • 39. Kourti A, Stavridou A, Panagouli E, Psaltopoulou T, Spiliopoulou C, Tsolia M et al. Domestic Violence During the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse 2023; 24(2):719-745
  • 40. Hahm HC, Guterman NB. The emerging problem of physical child abuse in South Korea. Child Maltreat. 2001;6(2):169-79.
  • 41. Youssef RM, Attia MS-E-D, Kamel MI. Children experiencing violence I: Parental use of corporal punishment. Child abuse & neglect. 1998;22(10):959-73.
  • 42. Kim J. Type-specific intergenerational transmission of neglectful and physically abusive parenting behaviors among young parents. Children and Youth Services Review. 2009;31(7):761-7.
  • 43. Kızıltepe R. Examining the intergenerational transmission of child abuse and neglect within the framework of the Ecological-Interactional Model [master Thesis]. Izmir: Ege University; 2021.
  • 44. Solak Z. Analysis Of Graduate Thesis On Children's Rights In Turkey By Meta-Synthesis [master Thesis]. Tokat: Gaziosmanpasa University; 2023.
  • 45. Grzejszczak J, Gabryelska A, Gmitrowicz A, Kotlicka-Antczak M, Strzelecki D. Are children harmed by being locked up at home? The impact of isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic on the phenomenon of domestic violence. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health. 2022;19(21):13958.
  • 46. Rodriguez CM, Lee SJ, Ward KP, Pu DF. The perfect storm: Hidden risk of child maltreatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Child Maltreat. 2021 May;26(2):139-51.
There are 46 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Forensic Medicine
Journal Section Research Article
Authors

Cüneyt Destan Cenger 0000-0003-0320-0158

Adil Han Doğan 0009-0007-8226-1966

Mehmet Ali Malkoç 0000-0003-1068-6045

Mustafa Özçetin 0000-0003-0697-4271

İsmail Yıldız 0000-0003-3570-8394

Ayşe Kılıç 0000-0003-3217-4075

Submission Date October 31, 2025
Acceptance Date March 27, 2026
Publication Date April 20, 2026
DOI https://doi.org/10.22312/sdusbed.1809430
IZ https://izlik.org/JA96AK48DG
Published in Issue Year 2026 Volume: 17 Issue: 1

Cite

Vancouver 1.Cüneyt Destan Cenger, Adil Han Doğan, Mehmet Ali Malkoç, Mustafa Özçetin, İsmail Yıldız, Ayşe Kılıç. The Impact Of The COVID-19 Pandemic On Children’s Rights And Psychosocial Status. Süleyman Demirel Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi. 2026 Apr. 1;17(1):127-39. doi:10.22312/sdusbed.1809430