Abstract:

Objective: This study was planned in an attempted to find out knowledge and opinions about child neglect and abuse of child development vocational school students who has an important role in the care of 0-6 age group children, and to create an awareness in this field. Method: Our descriptive type study’s sample was formed by 197 Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University Child Development Vocational School Students. To obtain the data survey form was applied to the students in the classroom in break time between courses. 7 students who were not present in the class were excluded from the study were excluded from the study. In order to data analysis number, percentage, mean, standard deviation and chi-square test were used. Results: Regarding 190 students who participated in the study, 188 were female and 2 were male. 9.5% of the students (n: 18) stated that they had been subjected of violence, 13.8% of (n: 26) stated that they were exposed to neglect. 20 students (10.5%) received formal training in neglect and abuse. 93.1% (n: 175) of the students stated that they had to report child neglect and abuse according to the law, 88.6% (n: 164) of stated that they should report in accordance with the policies of Ministry of National Education, 95.8% (n: 181) stated that they were responsible for moral reporting. When they detect neglect or abuse, 47.3% (n: 88) think that they should report it to Social Services and 39.2% (n: 73) think that they should report it to the Security Directorate. The rate of those who think they can recognize physical abuse symptoms is 29.1% (n: 55). 94.1% of the students (n: 176) stated that they needed more information about this subject. Conclusions: As a result of our study, we found that child development students did not have sufficient knowledge about child neglect and abuse. To increase knowledge level and awareness of child developers who having close contact with children changes in the education program should be planned, and abuse and neglect should be included in the curriculum. 

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