Sometimes humans cannot solve conflicts peacefully. When this happens, fights and violence breaks out. Threatening, terrorising and blaming a child is a form of child abuse, and so is spanking them, pulling their hair or ears, hitting them with things, or any other action which hurts, frightens or scares a child.

A person who abuses another person is called an abuser. An abuser can be an adult or a child. They can be someone the child knows, or a complete stranger.

What counts as child abuse?

When a few children bully one child, this is abuse. For example, insulting a child, laughing at them, taking away their things or breaking them, hitting them, spreading gossip and posting embarrassing photos online are all forms of child abuse. Often, those children who are different from others are the ones who get picked on. They could be taller or shorter than others, large or skinny, get good grades or bad grades, not be able to talk or walk properly, or use a wheelchair. A child bullying and belittling another child is never acceptable.

Parents sometimes punish their children for “bad behaviour” such as getting home late, losing a book, getting a bad grade, telling lies, breaking a dish and so on. Children should not be punished by force or by insulting words.

It is also a form of child abuse for adults to fight in front of a child at school or at home. Sometimes adults say that they’re fighting because the child is behaving badly. This isn’t right! Fighting and violence cannot be justified and is never a child’s fault.

How does abuse harm a child?

Abusing a child always harms their health. Violence can lead to broken arms and legs, wounds, burns, brain damage, etc. Those children who are victims of violence find it hard to learn, interact with other people and are often sad, angry or scared.

Where can abuse take place?
Child abuse can take place in different environments, such as in the street, in our backyards, in the family, at school, in nurseries and in sports and entertainment centres. Children can be abused anywhere.

Children are less at risk of abuse if:
• Their family members take care of them and they go to nursery or school.
• They are somewhere where they feel safe.
• They have friends who are ready to help them.

A child should grow up in a friendly and calm space that is safe from abuse. Families, schools and the government care for children and their safety. In cases of abuse, parents, teachers, friends and relatives are there to help the child. There are different ways of avoiding abuse and seeking help.

Find out more here 
By Public Health Foundation of Georgia (PHF)