Think Twice Before Leaving the Country
Challenges Faced in the Personality Development of Children
In Sri Lanka, the large number of people seeking employment abroad has made the absence of parental care a significant social issue. It is timely to discuss the challenges faced by the children of parents who migrate for foreign employment in their personality development, as well as the steps that can be taken to address these issues. This is particularly important given the increasing trend of migration in response to the country’s economic difficulties, which has become evident in recent times.
The Impact of Parental Absence on Children’s Personality Development
Parental absence refers to the upbringing of children without the direct involvement of their parents. This can occur due to various reasons, including the separation of parents (both legal and informal), the death of one or both parents, or the abandonment of children by their parents.
In Sri Lanka, the significant number of individuals seeking employment abroad has turned parental absence into a pressing social issue. Discussing the challenges faced by children of parents who migrate for foreign employment and the measures needed to address these challenges is crucial. This is particularly relevant as the country faces economic hardships, leading to an increased trend in migration.
In Western countries, under the concept of single parenting, children often manage to adapt and lead stable lives even with only one parent. These societies place significant emphasis on children’s mental well-being and implement adaptive mechanisms to support them. In Sri Lanka, however, parental absence is predominantly observed in families where parents migrate for employment abroad. With the rising number of parents leaving the country for work, the issue of parental absence among children has intensified.
Recognizing this concern, the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) implemented measures in 2017 to reduce the number of women migrating for work. Restrictions were placed on mothers with children under the age of five, limiting their ability to seek employment abroad.
Despite these social frameworks and regulatory efforts, it is evident that parents play a crucial and influential role in the mental and emotional development of their children.
Impact on Personality Development
Parental absence significantly impacts children’s personality development. Without the love, protection, and guidance of their parents, children are at risk of compromised mental and social growth. Research highlights that children experiencing parental absence are more likely to face challenges such as declining academic performance, behavioral issues, and mental health problems.
Statistical Data and Demographics
According to the 2012 Census conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) in Sri Lanka, approximately 1.5 million women were employed abroad. Studies indicate that many of these women’s children face the effects of parental absence. Moreover, statistical data from the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) between 2015 and 2022 reveals that the number of Sri Lankans registering for foreign employment has been increasing annually.
These figures underline the growing prevalence of parental absence and its implications for the personality development of children left behind.
Issues Related to Safety and Custody
The study of the custody of children without parental care often reveals it as a problematic situation. Sometimes, when children are placed under the care of a third party while the mother goes abroad for work, there is a question of whether those entrusted with the children’s safety truly take on the necessary responsibility. Additionally, when the father takes over the children’s custody upon the mother’s departure abroad, there is a risk of harm if the father is a substance abuser. Such incidents are frequently reported on a daily basis.
The lack of knowledge about managing expenses and family development has led to economic instability, contributing to this situation. Based on these factors, it can be observed that many children face mental and emotional issues while organizing their personalities.
Moreover, when the mother returns from abroad and the father has remarried, children may face harassment from the new stepmother, or the funds sent from abroad may be misused, with little or no savings. Sometimes, necessary improvements to the home are neglected, or money is wasted on unnecessary expenditures. In some cases, young daughters may be married off at an early age or become pregnant at a young age, while male children may fall into substance abuse, delinquency, or face social stigma. Such issues create conflicts within the family structure, and between families, disrupting the foundation of society.
In such circumstances, children often become alienated from society, and their ability to display progressive social behavior is compromised. Attention must be given to ensuring that children, who may experience physical weakness and mental distress, receive the necessary care and support from responsible parties.
Solutions and Suggestions
The following steps can be taken for the personality development of children without parental care:
- Social and Economic Support
Providing social and economic support for the protection and development of children.
- Educational Support
Providing special programs and guidance to support the educational progress of children.
- Mental Health Support
Providing counseling and treatment to support the mental health of children.
- Community Support
Creating a supportive environment for the safety and development of children through community cooperation.
Conclusion
The issues faced in the personality development of children without parental care are a significant concern in society. To address this, social, economic, and educational steps must be taken. The cooperation of all sections of society is essential for the protection and development of children.
Department of Census and Statistics. (2012). Sri Lanka Population and Housing Census 2012: Preliminary Data Report. Colombo: Government of Sri Lanka. http://www.statistics.gov.lk
Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE). (2022). Annual Statistical Report 2022. Colombo: SLBFE. http://www.slbfe.lk
Ministry of Education. (2021). Report on Social and Moral Issues and Mental Health 2021. Colombo: Ministry of Education.
United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF). (2019). The Impact of Migration on Children in Sri Lanka. Colombo: UNICEF Sri Lanka. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/srilanka
World Bank Group. (2020). The Effects of Parental Absence on Children’s Education and Well-being in South Asia. Washington, DC: The World Bank.
Neville, R. & Pranandu, S. (2015). “Social Issues Arising from Migration in Sri Lanka”. Social Science Research, 12(1), 45-60.
Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL). (2022). Annual Report 2022: Labour Migration and Family Well-being. Colombo: CBSL. Retrieved from https://www.cbsl.gov.lk
