It has become clear that lots of child abuse cases went unnoticed in numerous US states over the course of the COVID pandemic. Delaware State, for instance, had a 35%-40% reduction in child abuse and neglect reports while reports from educators decreased by 89% in April. Similar statistical observations were noted in states New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The professionals believe that such a dramatic drop in child abuse reports is due to the online learning and not because the number of abuse incidents decreased indeed. As hybrid learning started in fall, the number of child abuse reports increased slightly, yet as another COVID wave is coming the professionals expect an even more reduction in reports of abuse. As Delaware Division of Family Services director, Trenee Parker puts it - online learning impedes an interaction between children and teachers, nurses or counselors, which in turn leads to a child abuse going unnoticed.
In order to provide the necessary help and support to families and children at hard times, several measures are being taken. Due to the pandemic and online schooling, it might not be clear whether a family needs help and intervention, and that is why child Family Services in different states implemented a guide for educators and other community members to provide tips about spotting abusive behavior. In that way, family services aim to educate people to spot and prevent child abuse and neglect.
The guide includes several tips for teachers such as talking with students about their well-being and everyday routine. Teachers should also pay attention if a student feels unwell or complains about soreness. Social workers are required to ask parents about their well-being and if there is a need for medications, food or housing. There is also a guide for families which explains how to take care of their mental health. When feeling angry or depressed, parents are advised to take a deep breath and call a friend or a hotline. One of such hotline was launched in New Jersey and their numbers are published in Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Pandemic may be a hard time for many families and even harder for risk-families who lost their jobs and have problems with housing, food and remote learning. All of these stressful situations can be the reason of neglect so it is important to note any signs of child abuse and prevent them. Now that the states have a 24/7 receiving any child abuse reports, it is vital to educate the public how to report and what can be an abuse. As professionals say, any sign of physical, emotional or sexual harm to a child is an abuse, and a person should report as soon as there is a bit of suspicion. Even though there is not much evidence, the hotline will help to walk through. Safety of children is important and we as a community should pay more attention to children’s well being.