Child Safeguarding in Developing Countries

Child Safeguarding in Developing Countries: What needs to happen

Why is Child Safeguarding Critical?

Child safeguarding refers to proactive measures to protect children from harm, abuse, neglect and exploitation. In developing countries, it is not just a moral imperative but a foundation for sustainable development. But how important is child safety and growth valued?

Key Importance:

1. Rights-Based Foundation: Every child has the right to safety, dignity and protection as enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

2. Healthy Development: Safe environments are essential for cognitive, emotional, and social development.

3. Educational Outcomes: Children who feel safe are more likely to attend school regularly, participate in learning and achieve academically.

4. Breaking Cycles of Poverty and Violence: Protecting children reduces vulnerability to exploitation, child labor, trafficking and early marriage.

5. Social and Economic Stability: Investing in child protection builds a healthier, more productive future generation.

Challenges in Implementation Across Schools

Despite its importance, implementing safeguarding policies in schools across developing countries faces significant obstacles:

Structural & Systemic

• Limited resources: Underfunded education systems struggle with overcrowded classrooms in some countries, inadequate infrastructure and poor teacher-to-student ratios.

• Lack of legal frameworks or enforcement: Weak national policies, inconsistent age-of-protection laws and corruption hinder accountability.

• Insufficient coordination: Fragmented efforts between education, social welfare, health and justice sectors.

Cultural & Social

• Deeply ingrained norms: Acceptance of corporal punishment, gender discrimination, child labor and early marriage.

• Stigma and silence: Fear of shame, victim-blaming, and distrust of authorities prevents reporting.

• Low awareness: Communities and even educators may not recognise certain abuses or understand children’s rights.

Capacity & Knowledge

• Untrained staff: Teachers and administrators lack training on safeguarding policies, identification of abuse and referral pathways

• Inadequate monitoring: No systems for confidential reporting, follow-up or data collection on incidents.

• High staff turnover and volunteer reliance: Especially in rural or conflict-affected areas.

Contextual & Logistical

• Conflict and displacement: Schools in crisis settings face breakdowns in protection and increased risks.

• Geographic isolation: Remote schools lack access to support services (social workers, police, healthcare).

•Digital divides: Lack of technology for reporting or awareness campaigns.

Key Recommendations for Progress by the Stella Safe Team

1. Integrate safeguarding into national education plans with dedicated budgets.

2. Mandate and fund regular, context-sensitive training for all school staff.

3. Develop simple, accessible reporting mechanisms that ensure confidentiality and non-retaliation.

4. Engage communities in awareness campaigns to shift social norms with parents at the centre, where applicable.

5. Strengthen cross-sectoral referral systems linking schools to child protection services.

6. Leverage international partnerships for technical support and resources, while ensuring local ownership.

Conclusion

Child safeguarding in schools is a non-negotiable investment in human capital and social justice. While challenges in developing countries are complex and deeply rooted, coordinated action focusing on policy, capacity building, and community engagement can create safer learning environments where every child can thrive.

REPORT: DW BRAITHWAITE

(FOUNDER & CEO)

STELLA SAFE LTD

13.1.2026