Mention child abuse and most people think of pedophiles, sweat shops and child prostitution. But there are more insidious and widespread forms that are often overlooked, if not condoned, by human societies.
Parental belief systems and lifestyle choices have a significant impact on the present and future welfare of innocent children. In some cases, these victims are denied access to proper healthcare or education while, in others, poor habits such as overeating, tobacco use and inactivity are instilled. Many children are indoctrinated with various forms of discrimination, whether based on race, gender or sexual orientation and ingrained religious dogma is a common source of fear, guilt and low self esteem.
While many adults overlook these widespread forms of child abuse, they are, in the end, the catalysts for most of our social and political problems. Unless we rescue children from the climate of ignorance and intolerance that envelops their formative years, all future intervention will likely be in vain.
