Brutality in kindergartens: Parents sound the alarm

Social media constantly buzzes with discussions—some amusing, others deeply troubling. But this time, a disturbing revelation has left parents in shock. A viral video has surfaced, allegedly showing teachers at the private kindergarten Tanzilandiya in Tashkent’s Mirzo Ulugbek district mistreating children.

Reports claim that a concerned parent secretly placed a voice recorder inside their child's toy before sending them to the kindergarten. The resulting eight-hour audio recording reportedly captures teachers using harsh language and repeatedly striking children. Shockingly, it is alleged that physical abuse occurred in areas without parental surveillance—such as gyms, locker rooms, and activity halls—while teachers maintained a calm and polite demeanor in camera-monitored rooms. This revelation has deepened parents' fears, making them question whether private kindergartens are safe for their children.

Can Violence Ever Be Justified?

The mistreatment of young children in kindergartens is a growing concern. Time and again, we hear horrifying stories of caregivers who strike defenseless children, drag them against their will, or even tape them to chairs to enforce discipline. The most alarming part? These acts are committed by supposed “nurturers” tasked with a child’s well-being.

Take, for example, a case in Sergeli, where an assistant teacher at the Solnishko kindergarten allegedly slapped a child, S.A., in the face and dragged him into a bedroom. The result? A broken left leg. Similarly, in Nukus, two caregivers were accused of hitting children with slippers. In another shocking case at First Daycare in Yunusabad, a teacher and an assistant reportedly taped a child to a chair for refusing to eat.

A disturbing trend emerges: most of these cases occur in private preschools. And these are just a few documented incidents—many others likely remain hidden.

It is crucial to remember that any form of physical violence against children is strictly prohibited. Both the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On Guarantees of the Rights of the Child” and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child safeguard children from abuse. Yet, such laws are meaningless if they are not enforced.

When Business Comes Before Children’s Safety

Uzbekistan has made efforts to foster a business-friendly environment, reducing government interference in private enterprises. However, some entrepreneurs exploit this freedom to avoid oversight.

If government inspectors cannot check facilities, if parents are not allowed inside, and if surveillance cameras mysteriously “malfunction”, what happens behind closed doors? In extreme cases, children have suffered broken limbs at the hands of their caregivers. Does this resemble a nurturing preschool, or a punishment camp?

Health and hygiene are another concern. Without proper oversight from the State Educational Service, there is no guarantee that kindergartens maintain basic sanitary standards. And ironically, many of these abusive institutions rank among the top-rated private kindergartens. If this is the standard at the "best" preschools, what can be expected from the rest?

State Kindergartens: A Failing Alternative?

While private kindergartens are under scrutiny, state-run kindergartens are not faring much better. If public preschools met modern standards, parents might not feel compelled to enroll their children in private institutions.

However, state kindergartens face their challenges: overcrowding, outdated infrastructure, and obsolete teaching methods. Long waitlists force many parents to turn to private alternatives, despite concerns over safety and quality.

The protection of children in both public and private kindergartens must be a national priority. Authorities need to enforce stricter inspections, hold abusive caregivers accountable, and ensure parents have full transparency regarding their child’s safety. A preschool should be a place of learning and care—not a place of fear.