How schools can protect children from abuse (2024)

FAQs

What can the school do about emotional abuse? ›

BY LAW, TEACHERS and other school personnel must report child abuse, maltreatment, and neglect in all states in the U.S., and are trained to look for signs of abuse. Most teacher-initiated reports are made in connection with parents who mistreat or abuse their children.

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.

Stressors, such as exams, homework overload, and the competitive nature of educational systems, can also impact students' mental health. The pressure to perform well in exams, cope with heavy workloads, and juggle multiple commitments can lead to increased stress and anxiety levels.

since abusers and bullies often say 'it's our secret' or even threaten the safety of other family members, tell your child that secrets like that should never be kept. reassure your child that no harm will come to them or their loved ones if they tell the truth about abuse.

Enforce consistent classroom rules, using supportive language and positive, nonthreatening messaging around consequences. Anticipate changes in the environment that may make a student feel unsafe, like a fire drill or the presence of a substitute teacher, and brainstorm strategies with students to overcome them.

The suggested strategies to prevent the abuse of students by school personnel include creating a safe environment, making policies and consequences clear, and encouraging appropriate staff-student interactions.

Make a safe classroom

Trauma creates unique triggers that make people feel unsafe in public places. Teachers can eliminate these triggers within their classrooms by going above and beyond to create a safe space. Point out every exit when the school year begins and fill the walls with colorful, encouraging posters.

Physical abuse is much easier to spot; teachers should be alert for an out-of-the ordinary interest in physical violence or unexplained bruises and bumps. Signs of sexual abuse include complaints of injuries in private areas or age-inappropriate sexual behaviors or talk.

What to do if a teacher slaps a student? ›

If a teacher slaps you in front of the whole class, tell a trusted adult such as a parent or another teacher. Stay calm and avoid any further confrontation with the teacher. Gather witnesses who saw what happened for evidence.

Intimidating, threatening, isolating or/and humiliating are some teachers' behaviours that inflict emotional abuse on students. Such behaviours not only undermine the trust that should encompass student-teacher relationships, but also degrade students' sense of connection with their school (McEachern et al., 2008).

Talk to someone you trust, like your parents or another relative, another teacher, the principal, your coach, or the school counselor. If your teacher has seriously hurt you or someone else, call 911 or your local emergency number as soon as it's safe to do so.

Inappropriate behavior: This can include physical or verbal abuse, harassment, or discrimination towards students or colleagues.