How can neglect be defined?

Neglect is fundamentally characterized by the failure to provide for a child’s basic needs, which include adequate food, shelter, medical care, and supervision. It reflects a situation where the essential physical and emotional requirements of a child are not met, leading to potential harm or risk to their well-being. Unlike options that suggest providing emotional support or resources for education and sports participation, neglect is primarily focused on the absence of those critical elements necessary for a child's survival and development. Failing to meet these basic needs can have serious, long-lasting effects on a child's health and overall quality of life, thus making the definition precisely aligned with the notion of neglect.