Key points about child silence by injustice: [2, 3, 4]

• Impact on development: When children are not able to voice their concerns about injustice, it can negatively impact their emotional well-being, self-esteem, and sense of agency. [2, 3, 4]

• Reasons for silence: [2, 3, 4]

  • Fear of retaliation: Children might be afraid of the consequences of speaking out, like punishment or further abuse. [2, 3, 4]

  • Lack of trust in adults: If a child doesn't believe adults will take their concerns seriously, they may remain silent. [2, 5]

  • Not understanding the situation: Sometimes, children may not fully comprehend the injustice they are experiencing, leading to silence. [1, 3, 5]

  • Social pressure: Peer pressure or societal norms can discourage children from speaking up. [1, 4, 6]

• Importance of creating a safe space: To encourage children to speak up, it's crucial to create a supportive environment where they feel heard and believed, allowing them to express their concerns without fear of judgment. [2, 3, 5]

Examples of child silence by injustice: [2, 3, 5]

• A child experiencing bullying at school but not telling a teacher because they fear being labeled a "snitch." [2, 3, 5]

• A child witnessing domestic violence at home but not disclosing it to a trusted adult due to fear of family disruption. [2, 3, 5]

• A child being discriminated against based on their race or ethnicity but not speaking out due to feeling powerless. [3, 5, 7]

What can be done: [2, 3, 5]

• Active listening: Pay close attention to a child's verbal and non-verbal cues, and actively listen to their concerns. [2, 3, 5]

• Open communication: Create opportunities for open and honest conversations about injustice, explaining that it's okay to speak up. [2, 3, 5]

• Empowerment: Encourage children to use their voice and advocate for themselves when they experience injustice. [2, 3, 4]

• Seek support: If a child is experiencing significant injustice, seek support from professionals such as counselors or child protection services. [2, 3, 5]

 

[1] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/anatomy-silence-understanding-inaction-face-injustice-tekinerdogan-nn3we

[2] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9790323/

[3] https://betterkids.education/blog/beginning-steps-to-talking-with-children-about-race-and-social-injustice

[4] https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/0306422020917616

[5] https://news.fiu.edu/2020/talking-to-your-child-about-racial-inequality-and-social-injustice

[6] http://chuchutv.com/blog/10-ways-keep-child-quiet-happy-public-places/

[7] https://britobabylab.com/2020/06/02/talking-about-racial-injustice-with-young-children/