The Impact of Parental Alcoholism on Children’s Rights

Abstract

Long standing family relationship between parents and child is essential for continues development of children that intern determine the future prospects of young generation. Initial stage of human life everything learns from the parents’ actions and behaviours. Thus children’s physical and psychological development mostly relies on their parent’s actions and reactions. However, the situation has been changed due to expansion of “Parental Alcoholism” which becomes a societal issue. This study focused on effects of parental drinking on children in terms of physiological and psychological functioning in order to identify negative impact that caused extreme social burden to country. A Grama Niladari division area was sampled and total number of 10 families which include 38 members selected with their consent to response the questionnaire. The findings were derived from the discussion with local authorities such as police and Grama Niladari and also through the questionnaire. Collected details were examined using basic tools of Statistical Package for Social Science. During the analysis special consideration was given to children rights such as right to life, right to shelter, right to have safe environment, right to know and cared by his or her parents, right to family life, right to survival, protection, development and participation. Findings indicated that most of these cases were not reported due to fear of social isolation and lack of attention on alcoholism related issues. It was also found that majority of children who are members of these families suffering from physical and mental influences that affect their normal life including the isolation from the society. Hence, this study recommends supporting parents as primary guardians to adopt non-violent, positive parenting and reduce vulnerable situations. Further, recommended to implement the International Child Safeguarding Standards and enacting of Laws and law enforcement.