UNAIR NEWS Allegations of abuse and neglect at a daycare facility have once again drawn public scrutiny. Responding to the issue, 51动漫 (UNAIR) psychology expert Dr. Ike Herdiana MPsi Psikolog emphasized that such incidents not only jeopardize children檚 developmental well-being but also place a heavy emotional burden on working mothers.
Drawing on psychosocial development theory, Dr. Herdiana explained that early childhood is a crucial stage for building a sense of security through responsive caregiving. When daycare centers fail to provide that environment, they can instead become sources of long-term trauma.
淐hildren may develop distrust toward adults and begin to perceive their social surroundings as threatening. This can increase the risk of anxiety, severe separation anxiety, and even depression later in life, she said.
Warning signs and maternal validation
Because many victims are toddlers and unable to verbalize their experiences, parents need to pay close attention to behavioral changes at home. Trauma may manifest through unusual emotional or physical reactions after children return from daycare. 淧arents should be alert if children suddenly become unusually fussy, withdrawn, easily frustrated, develop sleep disturbances, or even resume bedwetting as an expression of anxiety, Dr. Herdiana explained.
The case has also triggered deep guilt among mothers who leave their children in daycare while working. Addressing this issue, Dr. Herdiana stressed that mothers should not absorb social stigma that unfairly blames them. Leaving children at licensed and authorized institutions, she said, is a reasonable and practical decision. 淢others need to recognize that they are also victims of an unsafe system. Unresolved guilt may strain the parent-child relationship and slow the child檚 recovery process, she noted.
Recovery steps and ecosystem oversight
For children who have experienced abuse, psychosocial recovery should begin immediately by rebuilding a sense of safety at home. This includes calm parental presence, stable daily routines, and protection from triggers that may reactivate traumatic memories. 淧arents should spend more quality time with their children and respond quickly to their emotional needs. If necessary, professional intervention through play therapy is strongly recommended, she said.
Dr. Herdiana added that child protection requires multiple layers of supervision, extending beyond parents to the broader community surrounding childcare facilities. Community oversight, including regular monitoring and intervention when concerns arise, can help prevent abusive practices. 淭he public can help create a child-friendly ecosystem and ensure the availability of safe, accessible reporting channels when irregularities are detected, she said.
As part of prevention efforts, Dr. Herdiana called for stricter evaluation of daycare providers and stronger government regulation. 淒aycare centers must maintain transparent staffing standards and uphold a culture of nonviolent caregiving. At the same time, the government should implement firm national standards, routine licensing audits, and easily accessible complaint systems to ensure children檚 safety is fully protected, she concluded.
Author: Muhammad Yasir Dharmawan D.
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
