Child abuse is a term that is thrown around a lot these days, but it’s actual definition is pretty complicated. In general, child abuse is any intentional act that results - or could result - in the physical or emotional harm of someone under 18 years old. Neglect is any lack of action that results - or could result - in the physical or emotional harm of a someone under 18 years old.

There are a number of different types of child abuse and neglect, although two or more of these may be going on at the same time. They are:

Physical Abuse: Physical abuse is when a parent or other caregiver (including a babysitter, teacher, or another adult) intentionally harms a child or teenager, causing physical injuries like bruises or broken bones. This includes hitting, punching, beating, kicking, biting, burning, throwing, or the use of other physical force. In some cases, you don’t even need to have a visible injury for an action to qualify as physical abuse. Also, it’s important to know that the adult involved may not have really wanted to hurt you - the injury may have come from discipline that was too harsh - but discipline like this may still be considered physical abuse. No matter what the adult’s reason, physical abuse is never the kid’s fault. If you are being hurt, but don’t know if it is physical abuse, talk to an adult you trust or click here for more tips on what to do.

Sexual Abuse: Sexual abuse is when a caretaker or another adult has any kind of sexual activity with a child or teenager. Younger children may also be abused by another child or teenager who is a lot older, more mature, and/or bigger. Sexual abuse may forced or it may be consensual (not forced). It may include sexual intercourse, touching, asking you to undress, exposing him or herself, or talking about sexual things in a way that makes you uncomfortable. This can be very confusing because it may seem like you are willing to participate in the activity. But the truth is that any time an adult engages in sexual activity with someone under 18, the adult is breaking the law. Even if you willingly participated - and even if some of it felt good - it is still sexual abuse and is not your fault. Sexual abuse by a family member is called “incest” - this can be especially difficult and confusing because the adult may be someone who is supposed be taking care of you...and someone you may really care about. But no matter who the adult is or what happens, sexual abuse is never the kid’s fault. If something like this is happening to you, or if someone is making you uncomfortable but you don’t know if it is sexual abuse, talk to an adult you trust or click here for more tips on what to do.

Emotional/Psychological Abuse: All teenagers fight with their parents, but emotional abuse is when a parent or other caretaker repeatedly says or does things that harm a child or teenager’s sense of worth, self-confidence, or safety. This could include extreme forms of punishment (such as locking a child in a dark closet), but more often consists of yelling, name-calling, or saying things to humiliate, shame, or intimidate you. If an adult says that you are “bad,” “stupid,” or “a mistake,” this also may be emotional abuse. Often, the adult is just angry and does not really mean the things he or she says, but they can hurt just the same. One of the toughest things about emotional abuse is that kids generally believe what authority figures tell them - so when they are told that they deserve to be treated poorly, they often start to believe it. But no child or teenager ever deserves to be made to feel that they are bad or worthless, and emotional abuse is never the kid’s fault. If someone is making you or someone you care about feel like this, but you don’t know if it is emotional abuse, talk to an adult you trust or click here for more tips on what to do.

Physical Neglect: Physical neglect is when a parent or caretaker does not provide for a child or teenager’s physical needs. For instance, if your parent or guardian doesn’t take you to the doctor when you’re sick or cannot provide you with enough food or adequate clothing. Sometimes, parents leave their kids alone for long periods of time or don’t watch out for them. If your parent kicks you out of the house or doesn’t let you come back if you ran away, this may also be considered physical neglect. Often, adults don’t mean to neglect their children. Some families don’t have enough money to buy food or clothing, and they need help to be able to provide these things for their children. Whatever the reason, physical neglect can be very harmful both to your body and your emotions. Some kids blame themselves for not having one or more of these necessities or not having parents around to take care of them...but it is never the kid’s fault. If you don’t know whether something is physical neglect or not, talk to an adult you trust or click here for more tips on what to do.

Emotional Neglect: Emotional neglect is when a parent or caretaker does not meet a child or teenager’s emotional needs. For instance, if your parent or guardian does not give you the love, attention, and physical affection (like hugs) that all kids need, it may be emotional neglect. If a kid often sees one of his or her parents physically or emotionally abusing the other one, this could be emotional neglect too. It can also be emotional neglect if your parent or caretaker encourages or allows you to do something that is dangerous to your health, like getting drunk or using drugs. Finally, if you are having problems that could be helped by talking to a psychologist, but your caretaker does not get you the help you need, that is also considered emotional neglect. This kind of neglect can hurt very much and have long-lasting effects, even if it doesn’t seem like it right now...but emotional neglect is never the kid’s fault. If you don’t know whether something is emotional neglect or not, talk to an adult you trust or click here for more tips on what to do.

Educational Neglect: Educational neglect is when a parent or caretaker allows a child or teenager to skip school repeatedly or never enrolls a child in school. (Sorry...we know you may not like school! But it’s really important for you to go to school - and it’s your parent or guardian’s job to see that you get there!). Also, if a parent does not look into special education programs for a child who has a disability or other problem, it can be considered educational neglect. As much as you may want to skip school, it’s ultimately your parent or guardian’s responsibility to make sure you go anyway and get the education you need. If you don’t know whether something is educational neglect or not, talk to an adult you trust or click here for more tips on what to do.

Top