Since a child spends the majority of their time in school, this place has a significant impact on their lives. Not only are these institutes known for learning, but they are also secure spaces where kids should feel cared for and protected. But it’s no secret that kids frequently experience abuse and bullying in schools. In America, there have been several reports of child abuse in schools which makes it imperative that teachers and other staff members learn how to identify and prevent child abuse.
Educating Teachers and Staff
It is high time that the teachers and staff members in our schools be educated about how to identify signs of abuse. They must gain whatever training is necessary to look for and appropriately respond if they encounter a case of abuse. Some signs to look out for include:
- Unexplained injuries
- Changes in behavior
- Fear of going home
- Poor hygiene or wearing dirty clothes
When teachers and staff are aware of these signs, they can take steps to help the child.
Creating a Safe Environment
Bullying is common in schools be it Korea, UK, India, or the United States of America, but should that make it normal? Of course not! We send kids to school so they learn in an environment where they feel safe. We’re living in the 21st century and schools must have clear rules against bullying and violence. They must ensure that every child knows who they can talk to if someone is troubling them. Programs should also be conducted in such facilities to teach kids about their rights and what they can do if someone tries to hurt them in school or at home.
Building Trust with Students
Children are more likely to speak up if something is wrong, when teachers build a relationship of trust with their students.
Reporting Suspected Abuse
When a teacher or staff member suspects that a child is being abused at school or home, they need to take action right away. They can follow the school’s guidelines for reporting abuse, contact the appropriate authorities, such as child protective services, and provide support to the child and ensure they are safe.
Supporting Abused Children
A child needs support and time to heal after they have been abused. Schools can help by providing counseling services, creating a healthy environment, and working with other social workers or psychologists to provide the best care for the child
Conclusion
In conclusion, schools can make a huge difference in preventing and identifying child abuse. If you’re a teacher or a staff member reading this article, know that you can make a difference. Childhood trauma can be deadly. We suggest you read Nancy Pusateri’s book, Rising Up A True Story Of Childhood Abuse to understand the circumstances a child goes through and why they don’t speak up. Nancy, a survivor of abuse, relays her story to help all victims as well as care providers about how to overcome past trauma. The book is available for purchase on Amazon.