The NSPCC defines four main types of neglect:
- Physical neglect: The failure to meet a child's basic physical needs, such as providing food, clothing, shelter, hygiene, and adequate supervision to keep the child safe.
- Educational neglect: Failure to ensure a child receives an education, including regular school attendance or appropriate alternative education like home schooling.
- Emotional neglect: When a child's emotional needs for nurture and stimulation are not met, such as through ignoring, humiliating, isolating, or intimidating the child.
- Medical neglect: Failure to provide appropriate healthcare and dental care, including ignoring medical advice or refusing treatments like vaccinations.
These types of neglect are the commonly recognized categories by the NSPCC and often overlap in cases of neglect. Neglect is a serious form of child abuse with potentially long-lasting effects on the child's physical and mental wellbeing.
