A STUDY TO ASSESS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF DESIGNED INSTRUCTION PROGRAMME REGARDING CHILD EXPLOITATION IN TERMS OF KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE AMONG MOTHERS WITH UNDER FIVE CHILDREN IN SELECTED AREAS OF VADODARA, GUJARAT

Abstract

Children constitute the foundation of any nation’s future, representing not only the continuation of society but also its economic, social, cultural, and moral strength. The well-being of children is universally recognized as a key indicator of national development. Healthy, protected, and nurtured children grow into productive adults who contribute positively to society. Conversely, when children are exposed to exploitation, neglect, and abuse, the consequences extend far beyond the individual child, affecting families, communities, and the nation as a whole.

Child exploitation is a multidimensional social and public health issue that violates the fundamental rights of children. It encompasses a wide range of harmful practices, including physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual exploitation, child labor, trafficking, neglect, and exposure to unsafe environments. Children under five years of age are particularly vulnerable to exploitation due to their complete dependence on adults for care, protection, nutrition, and emotional support. At this developmental stage, children lack the cognitive, emotional, and communicative abilities to recognize exploitation or seek help.