Each day more than five children die as a result of abuse or neglect. On average, a child abuse report is made every 10 seconds for a total of approximately 3.3 million child abuse reports annually. Childhelp has developed the following child abuse prevention guidelines to help keep your child, or a child you care for, from becoming a statistic.

Child Abuse Prevention Guidelines

• Never discipline your child when your anger is out of control.
• Participate in your child’s activities and get to know your child’s friends.
• Never leave your child unattended, especially in the car.
• Teach your child to use their voice to allow them to prevent abuse in their own life.
• Ask questions; for example, when your child tells you he or she doesn’t want to be with someone, this could be a red flag.
• Listen to them and believe what they say.
• Be aware of changes in your child’s behavior or attitude and inquire into it.
• Teach your child what to do if you and your child become separated while away from home.
• Teach your child the correct names of his/her private body parts.
• Be alert for any talk that reveals premature sexual understanding.
• Pay attention when someone shows greater than normal interest in your child.
• Make certain your child’s school or day care center will release him/her only to you or someone you officially designate.

To learn more about child abuse prevention, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD® (1-800-422-4453). The 24/7 hotline is staffed with professional counselors who offer information about child abuse prevention as well as crisis intervention, literature and referrals to thousands of emergency, social service and support resources.

• This article was shared from the Childhelp.org website

You may also contact Beyond Abuse – your local Children’s Advocacy Center – 864 227 1623