Parental behavior is an important factor contributing to mental health outcomes in children, and if improperly managed, it can significantly hinder their development and well-being. In this study, we investigated the relationship between parental behavior and the mental health of children in Ghana. Using a nationally representative sample of 8,746 children aged 5–17 years, from the Multiple Cluster Indicators Survey (MICS 6) dataset, we use a bivariate probit model to estimate the effects of parental behavior on the likelihood of children experiencing depression and nervousness. We find that violent parental behavior is associated with a higher likelihood of child depression by 8.0% and nervousness by 13.7%. The results also show that various indicators of parental violence were associated with child depression and nervousness. We conclude that exposure to violent parental behavior is detrimental to children’s mental health. We also find that exposure to long hours of work and having functional disabilities could be detrimental to the mental health of children. The findings highlight the need for interventions to reduce parental violence and support the mental health of children in Ghana. Addressing this issue is essential for achieving SDG target 3.5, which is related to mental health and well-being. The findings contribute to the literature on child mental health and underscore the importance of addressing parenting behavior in promoting child mental health and well-being.
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