Separation from mother, not prison cell, the real trauma risk for children, says expert

SHAH ALAM – Children raised with their mothers in prison until the age of three do not necessarily suffer prolonged trauma simply from being in that environment.

Universiti Putra Malaysia Institute for Social Science Studies director Professor Dr Haslinda Abdullah said in early childhood, the more important factors are the quality of care, affection and emotional bond received from the mother, rather than the location in which the child is raised.

"For children aged zero to three, I do not see a major issue if they are well cared for and receive sufficient love from their mothers.

"If the treatment they receive is positive and their emotional needs are met, the experience of being in prison at that age does not necessarily result in serious trauma," she told Sinar.

She said the risk of trauma is more likely to arise when children are separated from their mothers, who are the primary figures in their lives.

"More important is who cares for them afterwards and what form that care takes," she said.

Haslinda said the situation becomes more challenging if children are placed in care institutions, as they may not receive the individual attention and affection they would get from their mothers.

She stressed that the psychological impact on children is more influenced by how they are treated than whether they are raised inside or outside of prison.

"If a mother neglects or mistreats her child, the effects will still occur even if they are not in prison.

"Conversely, if a child receives good care, they have the potential to grow up emotionally healthy," she said.

She also reminded the public not to label or discriminate against inmates' children, as negative stigma can affect their emotional development.

"These children have done nothing wrong. They deserve to grow up in a fair and empathetic environment," she said.