There are many forms of abuse, and each can have long-term effects on a child. Teachers and school administrators have a unique position as caretakers for children. It is important to recognize signs of abuse in students and learn how you can help.
If you suspect a child is being abused, reporting it can help them. Many states have mandatory reporting laws requiring teachers and school administrators to report suspected abuse. This makes reporting abuse a legal responsibility, not just a moral obligation.
Recognizing signs of abuse—no matter the type—is crucial for being able to help these students and prevent further abuse. While the primary purpose of school is to provide an academic education, if children don’t feel safe, their education will suffer.
Many symptoms of abuse are related to changes in behavior. Some children will act up, and others will become quiet. It is important to consider normal behavior for a specific child and what is a change in their behavior.
Abuse can lead to many different emotions in children, including confusion, shame, guilt, and fear. These feelings contribute to the child’s inability to tell others what is happening or understand that they are not the problem.
It is important to remember that signs of abuse don’t guarantee abuse is present, but they can be warnings of potentially abusive situations. If you suspect a child is being abused, there are many ways you can help them. Two of the biggest things you can do are listen to them and report the suspected abuse.
All schools should have policies on handling suspected abuse and how to report it. Teachers are typically required to inform the school administration of suspected abuse and are sometimes the first to report the symptoms to local officials.
It can be helpful for teachers to keep a record of the signs they see. This can help keep details straight and can be beneficial to authorities if anything needs to be reported. As you see questionable signs, it can also be helpful to talk with other faculty who work with the child and learn what they have observed while ensuring proper confidentiality.
Talk with children and listen to them. Through your words and actions, let the child know that you are a safe person to be around. Helping children feel safe and comfortable around you is the first step and should occur before any signs of trouble. If you recognize signs of abuse, it is essential to continue building on this foundation.
Specific things to help a child feel safe include:
These things can help the child feel respected and valued when they may not feel that way.
If there is a skill they are struggling with, such as problem-solving or conflict resolution, consider using activities to help teach this skill. This can benefit all students in learning and those being abused.
Reporting signs of abuse can be scary or intimidating. Know that reporting signs of abuse is a form of care and is not the same as an accusation. By reporting signs of abuse, you are giving other authorities the chance to make sure a child is safe.
Written by Lina Filkins
Education World Contributor
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