ROCKLIN, Calif. — President Donald Trump recently proclaimed April as "National Child Abuse Prevention Month" and he's encouraging all Americans to "do everything within our power to stop child abuse and neglect before they occur."
Statistics show about five children die every day from child abuse in the U.S. That's why students at Breen Elementary School in Rocklin are doing their part to raise awareness by planting pinwheels to for child abuse prevention, the national symbol for child abuse prevention. "Prevent Child Abuse America," a nonprofit geared towards ending child abuse nationwide, introduced the pinwheels back in 2008.
In the U.S., statistics show child abuse is reported every ten seconds. If you have any reason to believe a child has been or may be harmed, visit www.kidsfirstnow.org or call 916-774-6802.
Childhelp, a nonprofit dedicated to helping victims of child abuse, offers the following child abuse prevention guidelines to help you protect your child:
- 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.
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