Dangerous situations for Children

1. Dangerous situations for Children And what you can do to prevent and stop them

2. Infants cry to communicate • It is the only way they have to tell you they are hungry, tired, lonely, or needing a diaper change • Always check to see if the baby’s needs are met • Try to remain patient

3. DO Check the diaper Check to see if clothing is too tight Check to see if the baby is too warm Take a deep breath Call someone you can count on for help DON’T Never, Never, ever shake a baby to make them stop crying Infant Do’s and Don’t’s

4. Other ways to soothe a crying baby • Place them against your chest and rock back and forth • Play soft music and dance with the baby • Offer the baby a toy or rattle • Talk to or sing to the baby using soothing tones • Take the baby for a walk or a drive

5. Dangers of shaking a baby • The infant’s neck cannot support its head until approximately 3 months of age • When shaken, the baby’s head will flop from side to side, resulting in the brain shaking inside the skull • This results in broken blood vessels and damage to the brain that cannot be repaired

6. Consequences of SBS • Of babies that are shaken, 25% will die • It is estimated that as many as 30% of injuries to children result from being shaken • If a child survives being shaken, they will have serious injuries for the rest of their lives. The average age of victims is 6 months old. • The statistics are not good for males. Over 60% of the SBS victims are male • and almost 80% of the people who shake babies are male source: aboutshakenbaby.com

7. Child Abuse & Neglect • Neglect is a condition in which a child is not cared for properly • Abuse is a condition in which a child is harmed intentionally • There are various types of abuse: • Physical—involves hurting the child’s body • Emotional—damages the child’s self esteem • Sexual—when an adult has sexual contact with children

8. Signs of neglect • The child is significantly smaller than average for their height and weight • Missing a lot of school • Taking care of adult responsibilities at home • The child is always tired and/or hungry • When the child is sick, they don’t get medical attention • Consistent signs of poor hygient

9. Signs of Physical abuse • Unexplained bruising and/or burns • Unusual shyness around others • Sometimes substance abuse, truancy, or running away can be an indicator • Odd explanations for bruising, burns, or other wounds

10. What should you do if you suspect child abuse? • Contact an adult who can help you that you trust • Contact the local police department or child protection agency • Be prepared to give specific examples of the reasons you suspect abuse is occuring

11. Signs of Emotional Abuse • Speech disorders, such as stuttering • Cruel behaviors to small children or animals • The child isn’t developing at the same rate as other children (speech, motor skills)

12. Signs of Sexual Abuse • Children make comments that are inappropriate for their age and related to the abuse • Sudden decline in school performance • Avoiding undressing or wearing extra layers of clothing