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Child Abuse and Neglect: What Parents Need to Know to Protect Their Children

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The safety and well-being of children are fundamental responsibilities of parents. However, child abuse and neglect remain troubling problems in our society. To protect our children, it is crucial to understand what constitutes abuse and neglect, as well as being informed about the warning signs and preventive measures. In this article, we will address the topic of child abuse and neglect, providing valuable information to parents so they can take proactive steps to ensure the safety and well-being of their children.

 

Source: https://www.unicef.es/blog/infancia/nueva-ley-proteccion-infancia

Definition and types of child abuse and neglect

We will begin our analysis by addressing the various manifestations that child abuse and neglect can take. Among them, we find physical, emotional and sexual abuse, as well as negligence in basic care and lack of supervision. Each of these forms of maltreatment has profound implications for children’s well-being, so it is crucial to examine them closely. Throughout this detailed exploration, we will provide concrete examples to help parents gain a clearer and more complete understanding of these harmful behaviors.

Starting with physical abuse, we refer to any action that causes physical harm or injury to a child. This can manifest itself through hitting, slapping, pinching, violent shaking or any other form of physical aggression. It is important to note that physical abuse not only involves obvious injuries, such as bruises or fractures, but also the excessive use of force that can leave lasting emotional and psychological consequences on the child.

As for emotional abuse, we refer to actions or attitudes that undermine the child’s self-esteem, emotional well-being, and psychological development. These behaviors can include constant insults, put-downs, verbal threats, emotional rejection, and emotional neglect. Emotional abuse may be harder to detect, but its effects can be just as detrimental to a child’s healthy development.

Sexual abuse involves any form of forced sexual contact or activity towards a child. This includes inappropriate touching, indecent exposure, child pornography, and rape. Sexual abuse is one of the most devastating forms of child abuse, leaving deep and lasting emotional scars. It is essential that parents be alert to changes in behavior or physical signs that could indicate the presence of sexual abuse.

In addition to the forms of abuse mentioned, it is also essential to address neglect of basic care and lack of supervision. Neglect refers to the failure of parents or caregivers to provide a child’s essential needs, such as adequate food, safe housing, medical care, education, and adequate supervision. Lack of supervision can expose children to dangerous situations or leave them unprotected from abuse by others.

Through these examples and detailed explanations, we seek to provide parents with a deeper understanding of the various forms of child abuse and neglect. By recognizing and understanding these harmful behaviors, parents can be better equipped to protect their children and take the necessary steps to ensure their safety and well-being. Read more

Source: https://prezi.com/p/lnh0k8dmnbs3/definicion-y-tipos-de-maltrato-infantil/

Warning Signs of Abuse and Neglect

It is essential that parents be aware of warning signs that could indicate that their child is being abused or neglected. We will discuss physical, emotional, and behavioral indicators that could be warning signs. In addition, we will highlight the importance of maintaining open and trusting communication with children so that they feel safe to share their experiences. Read more

Source: https://hermesbags.com.co/abuso-e-negligencia-infantil/ 

Preventive measures and child protection

Prevention is essential in the fight against child abuse and neglect. We will provide parents with a number of preventive measures they can implement, such as setting clear boundaries, educating their children about their bodies and the importance of consent, and fostering safe and supportive environments. We will also mention the importance of educating yourself about the resources and services available to support children and families in situations of abuse and neglect. Read more

Source: https://issuu.com/pdevia29/docs/red_pitch_deck_presentation__1__8829a8f46442c4 

Child abuse and neglect are heartbreaking realities that must be urgently addressed. As parents, it is our responsibility to protect our children and create safe and loving environments. By understanding the different types of abuse and neglect, watching for warning signs, and taking preventive measures, we can make a significant difference in our children’s lives. Let us educate ourselves, be alert and provide the necessary support to ensure the well-being and safety of our most precious beings: our children.

How to Report Child Abuse or Neglect: Protecting the Most Vulnerable

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The protection of children is everyone’s responsibility. Unfortunately, there are cases of abuse and neglect that affect minors, and it is essential to take action to ensure their safety and well-being. If you find yourself in a situation where you suspect or have evidence of child abuse or neglect, it is important that you know how to properly report these cases. In this article, we will provide you with valuable information on the steps to take to report child abuse or neglect, as well as the resources available to support you in this process. 

Source: http://maltrato-infantil-unitec.blogspot.com/2012/03/maltrato-por-abandono-yo-negligencia.html 

To undertake the process of reporting child abuse or neglect, it is essential to have the ability to identify the signs and signals that may reveal the existence of these worrying situations. These signs can manifest in a variety of ways, ranging from unexplained physical injuries and noticeable changes in the child’s behavior, to evidence of lack of proper care or even signs of emotional or sexual abuse. It is essential that you familiarize yourself with these indicators and remain on constant alert, as this will allow you to act proactively in defense of children who may be at risk. Being alert and willing to recognize these signs is a crucial first step toward the protection and well-being of children who may be experiencing abuse or neglect. Read more

Source: https://radiotehuacan.org/921fm/dia-internacional-de-la-lucha-contra-el-maltrato-infantil/

Documenting the evidence

Gathering solid evidence and evidence is crucial to supporting a claim of abuse or neglect. Take photographs of visible injuries, save any relevant communications or records, and note dates, times, and detailed descriptions of incidents witnessed or reported. The more evidence you have, the stronger your complaint will be and the more likely you will be to obtain justice for the minor affected. Read more

Source: https://www.dexiaabogados.com/blog/indicios-evidencias-y-pruebas/ 

Communicating with the appropriate authorities

Once you have gathered the necessary evidence, it is time to contact the proper authorities. In many countries, there are specific hotlines for child abuse or neglect. You can also contact local police, social services, or child protection organizations. Provide all relevant details and share all evidence collected for proper investigation. Read more

Supporting the affected minor

During the reporting process, it is essential to provide support and protection to the minor involved. If you are a trusted adult to the child, make sure you listen to him, believe him, and offer comfort. Avoid making promises you can’t keep and seek help from trained professionals, such as therapists or social workers who specialize in child care. The well-being of the minor must always be a priority. Read more

Source: https://www.elpradopsicologos.es/ansiedad/angustia/ 

Denunciar el abuso o la negligencia de un menor es un acto de valentía y solidaridad. Al aprender a reconocer los signos, documentar la evidencia y comunicarte con las autoridades adecuadas, puedes desempeñar un papel crucial en la protección de los niños y ayudar a poner fin a situaciones de abuso y negligencia. Recuerda que existen recursos y profesionales dispuestos a brindar apoyo en estos casos. Juntos, podemos trabajar para crear un entorno seguro y protector para los más vulnerables de nuestra sociedad. 

Referencia 

Childhelp: www.childhelp.org 

National Child Traumatic Stress Network: www.nctsn.org 

Child Welfare Information Gateway: www.childwelfare.gov 

RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): www.rainn.org 

 

 

Types and Manifestations of Bullying: Understanding and Combating Bullying 

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Bullying is a serious problem that affects students of all ages around the world. The negative impact of bullying on the mental, emotional and academic health of young people is significant. To effectively address this problem, it is crucial to understand the different types and manifestations of bullying that exist. In this article, we will explore the main types of bullying and provide strategies to combat it by promoting safe and respectful educational environments. 

Source: http://reporteroescolar.unir.net/2014/periodistas-siglo-xxi/acoso-escolar/ 

Verbal and emotional harassment 

Verbal and emotional harassment is a common form of bullying that involves insults, taunts, defamation and constant humiliation towards the victim. This type of bullying can occur both in person and through digital media, causing significant psychological and emotional harm. It is essential to promote empathy and respectful communication among students to prevent and address this type of bullying. 

Source: https://www.guiainfantil.com/blog/449/el-maltrato-verbal-violencia-hacia-los-ninos.html 

Physical Harassment 

Physical bullying involves direct physical aggression, such as hitting, pushing, shoving, kicking or any form of physical violence towards the victim. This type of bullying can leave lasting physical and emotional scars on affected students. It is essential that educators and parents foster a culture of respect and teach young people to resolve conflicts peacefully. 

Source: https://www.diferenciador.com/acoso-y-bullying/ 

Social and relational harassment 

Social and relational bullying refers to exclusion, defamation, rumor spreading and manipulation of the victim’s social relationships. Bullies use ostracism and isolation tactics to cause emotional distress and damage the reputation of their victims. It is important to promote inclusion and foster empathy among students to prevent and counteract this type of bullying. 

Source: https://www.psicoaverroes.es/blog/que-es-el-bullying/ 

Cyberbullying 

Cyberbullying, also known as online harassment, occurs through digital platforms, such as social networks, text messages and email. Bullies use these tools to send threatening messages, defame, share humiliating content, and persistently harass their victims. There is a need to educate students about the dangers of cyberbullying and promote online safety strategies to protect their well-being. 

Source: https://conecta.tec.mx/es/noticias/ciudad-de-mexico/educacion/cinco-tipos-de-ciberacoso-y-como-afectan-la-salud-mental-y-emocional 

Sexual harassment 

Sexual harassment is a serious form of bullying that involves unwanted comments, gestures, touching, or other non-consensual sexual conduct toward the victim. This type of bullying can have a devastating impact on the lives of affected students. It is imperative to create safe environments where consent is promoted, personal boundaries are educated, and sexual harassment is reported immediately. 

Source: https://www.eluniverso.com/larevista/2019/05/19/nota/7334606/estudio-propone-herramienta-medir-evitar-acoso-sexual/ 

Bullying takes many forms and manifestations, all of which have a detrimental impact on students’ lives. To effectively address this problem, it is essential to understand the different types of bullying and take steps to prevent and combat it. Educators, parents and the community at large must work together to foster a culture of respect, empathy and inclusion in schools. Only through a joint effort can we create safe, bully-free educational environments where all students can thrive and reach their full potential. 

References 

“Types of bullying and how to prevent it” – Source: https://www.unicef.org/es/temas/bullying 

“Manifestations of bullying and how to address them” – Source: https://www.stopbullying.gov/resources/espanol/manifestaciones-del-acoso-escola 

“What is bullying?” – Source: https://www.who.int/es/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/bullying 

“How to prevent and address cyberbullying” – Source: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/espanol/blog/como-prevenir-y-abordar-el-ciberacoso 

“A Guide to Preventing Sexual Bullying in Schools” – Source: https://www.unwomen.org/es/news/stories/2021/2/compilation-guide-to-prevent-sexual-harassment-in-schools 

New Forms of School Bullying: How to Address Harassment in the Digital Age

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School bullying is a problem that has existed for a long time, but with the advent of technology and social media, it has evolved and a number of new forms of bullying have emerged. Bullying in the digital age can be just as harmful as traditional bullying, and it is essential that educators, parents and the community at large are informed and prepared to address these new manifestations of bullying. In this article, we will explore some of the new forms of school bullying and provide effective strategies to prevent and combat bullying in the digital environment.

Cyberbullying: online harassment

Cyberbullying refers to harassment that occurs through online platforms, such as social media, instant messaging, and email. Abusers use these tools to send hate messages, defame, share humiliating images or videos, and harass their victims. It is essential to educate students about the dangers of cyberbullying and foster a culture of respect and empathy online.

Source: https://mediacionescolar.org/mediacion-escolar-prevencion-gestion-bullying/

Sexting and the non-consensual dissemination of images

Sexting, the sending of explicit sexual messages or images, has become a worrying practice among adolescents. When these images are shared without the consent of the person involved, it becomes a form of bullying known as “non-consensual sharing of images.” It is important to educate young people about the risks of sexting and the importance of consent in all online interactions.

Source: https://www.mateobuenoabogado.com/sexting/?print=print

Trolling and harassment in forums and comments

Trolling refers to the practice of provoking and harassing other users in online forums, social media comments, and discussion sections. Trolls deliberately seek to generate conflict and cause emotional distress to their victims. It is essential to teach students how to identify and confront trolls, and promote a safe and respectful online environment.

 

Source: https://te-hangarau.com/bullying-internet-ciberacoso/

Social exclusion and ostracism on social networks

Social networks can also be used as tools of social exclusion and ostracism. Students may be excluded from online groups, tagged in humiliating posts, or deliberately ignored in online interactions. It is important to foster a culture of inclusion and respect on all digital platforms and provide support to students who experience social exclusion.

Source: https://es.linkedin.com/pulse/qu%C3%A9-llamamos-cultura-de-la-cancelaci%C3%B3n-y-por-es-el-gonzalez-montes-8mgkc

 

Grooming and online handling

Grooming involves an adult gaining the trust of a minor online with the aim of sexually exploiting or harassing them. Bullies use manipulative tactics to gain the trust of young people and then abuse them emotionally, psychologically or physically. It is imperative to teach students about the dangers of grooming and encourage open communication about their experiences online.

 

Source: https://es.linkedin.com/pulse/child-grooming-un-riesgo-latente-en-l%C3%ADnea-bejarano-morales

School bullying has evolved in the digital age, introducing new forms of harassment that can have a devastating impact on students. To address this problem, it is essential that educators, parents and the community at large are informed and take preventive measures. This involves educating students about the dangers of cyberbullying, sexting and trolling, promoting a culture of respect and empathy online, and encouraging open communication to detect and address any form of harassment. Only through a joint effort can we create safe and bullying-free school environments in the digital age.

References

“What is cyberbullying and how to prevent it” – Source: https://www.unicef.org/es/temas/bullying- “Sexting and non-consensual dissemination of images: how to protect adolescents” – Source: https:// www.commonsensemedia.org/espanol/blog/sexting-y-difusion-no-consensuada-de-imagenes-como-proteger-a-los-adolescentes

“How to deal with trolls online” – Source: https://www.stopbullying.gov/resources/teens/how-to-deal-with-trolling-online

“Tips to prevent social exclusion on social networks” – Source: https://www.netsmartz.org/espanol/blog/consejos-para-prevenir-la-exclusion-social-en-las-redes-sociales

“Grooming: how to protect children and adolescents from online manipulation” – Source: https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/youthviolence/espanol/grooming/index.html

 

“Preventing school bullying in the digital age” – Source: https://www.antibullyingpro.com/blog/2021/1/6/preventing-cyberbullying-in-the-digital-age-the-ultimate-guide

PornHub’s chatbot has been successful in preventing and identifying abuse on the Internet

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Rafael Nuñez y Rafael Nuñez Aponte PornHub's chatbot has been successful in preventing and identifying abuse on the Internet

After a month of testing in the United Kingdom, the new PornHub chatbot has been a success, which seeks to alert users who delve into illegal content, has identified 173,000 interventions and has managed to remove a large number of pages related to child abuse.

What can happen if the chatbot is done worldwide?

Rafael Nuñez y Rafael Nuñez Aponte PornHub's chatbot has been successful in preventing and identifying abuse on the Internet

The chatbot appears when someone searches PornHub for any of the 28,000 terms that refer to child pornography. This pop-up, designed by the LucyFaithfull Foundation in conjunction with the Internet Watch Foundation, asks a series of questions and explains to people that such searches may be illegal.

The goal of this tool is to interrupt someone looking for child sexual abuse material, since its launch more than 170,000 times in March, which means 159 people have clicked on the helpline website.

Following its success, PornHub now wants to roll out the feature worldwide, a move that has been hailed as truly innovative in the British press. The fear perhaps resides in the fact that if in just one month in a country there have been such a number of searches, what can happen if it is done worldwide.

Apart from this novelty, PornHub for its part, in collaboration with the previous association and others, removes websites with content related to minors on a monthly basis.

Psychological effects in childhood after sexual abuse

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Rafael Nuñez y Rafael Nuñez Aponte Psychological effects in childhood after sexual abuse

Sexual abuse in childhood has devastating effects on the psyche of the child or adolescent, regardless of the age at which the assault occurs.

The importance of the complaint

Rafael Nuñez y Rafael Nuñez Aponte Psychological effects in childhood after sexual abuse

Currently, considerable progress has been made with the importance of the complaint, although there are still many important obstacles to carrying it out. When the environment does not believe the child or silences him without carrying out the complaint at the time it occurs, it aggravates the situation of the minor, and that cataclysm in the psyche makes itself heard.

The magnitude of the impact caused by a sexual assault on the child’s psyche can be graphed as a tsunami or an earthquake, and we imagine the child’s psyche after the abuse equal to the space after these natural phenomena occur.

When a child dares to speak, the reaction of the environment will be fundamental in overcoming this trauma, because there is a possibility that the child may feel protected and the wounds he carries may begin to heal.

As for the signs or symptoms, a list of the same effects in all victims can be made.

Abuse fundamentally compromises:

  • The idea of ​​the future.
  • The idea of ​​how that child is going to build his bond with the others.
  • Trust in the other.
  • The possibility of feeling safe in spaces, among others.

Safe Childhood Project

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Rafael Nuñez y Rafael Nuñez Aponte Safe Childhood Project

The Safe Childhood Project is a US initiative launched nationwide in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, and has brought different cases to justice.

A 55-year-old man from Crofton, Maryland pleaded guilty yesterday to possession of child pornography. According to his guilty plea, Gordon’s IP address was found to access dark websites. Executing a search warrant at Gordon’s residence, police seized numerous computer devices that Gordon admitted belonged to him. Gordon faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison followed by life supervised release for possession of child pornography.

Community and school awareness campaign

Rafael Nuñez y Rafael Nuñez Aponte Safe Childhood Project

The Safe Childhood project is run by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Obscenity and Child Exploitation Section, the Safe Childhood Project, and brings together federal, state, and local resources to:

  • Locate, arrest and prosecute people who sexually exploit children.
  • Identify and rescue sexually exploited victims.

Likewise, under this project, effective community and school awareness campaigns are developed, focusing on important issues such as:

  • Cyber bullying.
  • Sexting: minors who take sexually explicit photos of themselves and post them on the Internet.
  • Predators of minors on the Internet and their typical modus operandi.
  • Prevention of the dissemination of personal information over the Internet.
  • Information for parents and schools that need additional resources.

Sharenting: Why shouldn’t we share photos of our children on social networks?

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Rafael Nuñez y Rafael Nuñez Aponte Sharenting Why shouldn't we share photos of our children on social networks

The term sharenting comes from Share (sharing) and Parenting (paternity). It has become more popular as parents share their children’s lives online, documenting important events in minute detail on Facebook, Instagram and other social networks.

The Fingerprint

Rafael Nuñez y Rafael Nuñez Aponte Sharenting Why shouldn't we share photos of our children on social networks

Publishing or uploading images, videos or any other type of recording associated with our children on the Internet in general, and on social networks, creates a digital footprint and exposes them to the different dangers that come with browsing the web. Even the information that parents share on social networks about their children can pose security risks and fraud.

The main risks that the public profiles of parents in social networks and messaging services, among others, that they can carry are the following:

  • It can lead to both physical and digital identity hijacking.
  • When minors access social networks, they can use these photos or videos to be the subject of memes, or any form of bullying on the networks.
  • During the adult lives of current minors, they may be victims of identity theft.
  • Digital reputation. When adult minors want to access prestigious institutions, the members of the selection committee will be able to access all the applicant’s information, especially social networks.

If we send images or videos via instant messaging (such as WhatsApp), we need to make sure that the people we send any content to are trustworthy and will not share it without our permission.

Clave A Project: Training professionals in the prevention of child sexual abuse

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Rafael Nuñez y Rafael Nuñez Aponte Clave A Project Training professionals in the prevention of child sexual abuse

Spain is launching the «Clave A» project, which will provide training to more than 1,000 professionals already registered in the Canary Islands, who are related to work with children and adolescents.

How does this project work?

Rafael Nuñez y Rafael Nuñez Aponte Clave A Project Training professionals in the prevention of child sexual abuse

Among the achievements of the Investigating Court number 3 is that of reducing the time it takes to carry out a pre-constituted test on a minor, the creation of a specific kit designed for children to take DNA samples, putting an end to the “institutional abuse” that it existed before for girls, with the development of the branch of pediatrics and forensic gynecology.

The professionals who are in permanent contact with the children generate bonds of trust to be able to tell them what is happening, and provide them with all the possible instruments to facilitate the communication of this situation through signs or drawings such as those promoted by this project.

The training course planned within the program is cross-cutting training designed to:

  • Help detect situations of abuse.
  • Know how to deal with them.
  • Prevent them in such a way that they can accompany the minor and not become victims.

Most cases of sexual abuse are detected by the child’s teacher who notices the child withdrawn, sad, with a different behavior, so it is important to maintain good communication with children as well as observation to detect changes.

The European Union presents a plan to detect and eliminate pedophile content on the network

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Rafael Nuñez y Rafael Nuñez Aponte The European Union presents a plan to detect and eliminate pedophile content on the network

The European Commission (EC) presented a legislative proposal with new rules for Internet companies, and oblige Internet access service providers to detect and eliminate content of child pornography and sexual abuse of minors on the network, in addition to reporting on it to the authorities.

How to prevent pedophilia oon th Network

Rafael Nuñez y Rafael Nuñez Aponte The European Union presents a plan to detect and eliminate pedophile content on the network.

The new rules will operate in parallel with and in support of the regulation strategy in the EU Digital Services Law, which will introduce heavy fines for companies that fail to act on illegal content.

Under the new plan, companies will have to propose mitigation measures. Member States will have to designate national authorities in charge of reviewing the risk assessment and mitigation measures.

If an effective detection of material of sexual abuse of minors is carried out, they must notify it to the new EU center, which will provide information on identified material and will act as a filter. As for those images that cannot be removed because they are outside the EU or in non-cooperative jurisdictions, access to images and videos will be disabled.

The rules also require computer application stores to ensure that children cannot download programs that could expose them to “a high risk of sexual solicitation.” Simultaneously, the EC today published a new European Strategy for a Better Internet for Children, which seeks to provide safe digital experiences and protect minors from harmful and illegal online content.