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Early childhood is a critical human development period marked by rapid growth and profound learning. However, it is also a time when children are particularly vulnerable to various forms of abuse. Understanding the different types of abuse that can affect young children is essential for parents, caregivers, educators, and healthcare professionals to ensure the safety and well-being of every child.

Here is a (non-exhaustive!) look at some of the most common forms of abuse to be aware of in the early years:

Physical abuse involves the infliction of bodily harm or injury to a child. This can include hitting, shaking, burning, or biting. The signs of physical abuse are often visible and may include unexplained bruises, burns, fractures, or other injuries.

Children who are physically abused may also exhibit behaviours such as flinching at sudden movements, displaying an intense fear of going home or showing aggression when playing with toys.

Emotional abuse, also known as psychological abuse, damages a child's emotional health and self-esteem. This abuse form can be more challenging to recognise as it does not leave visible marks. Emotional abuse can include verbal insults, constant criticism, intimidation, or rejection.

Signs of emotional abuse may manifest as extreme behaviours, such as being overly aggressive or withdrawn, delayed emotional development, and a noticeable lack of attachment to parents or caregivers.

Sexual abuse involves engaging a child in sexual acts or exposing them to sexual content. The indicators of sexual abuse can be both physical and behavioural. Physically, a child may have difficulty walking or sitting or show signs of genital injuries.

Behaviourally, they might exhibit knowledge of sexual acts inappropriate for their age, experience bedwetting or nightmares, or show reluctance to be alone with specific individuals.

Neglect is another form of abuse that involves failing to meet a child's basic needs, including food, shelter, medical care, and supervision. Neglect can have severe long-term effects on a child's development and well-being.

Signs of neglect include poor hygiene, untreated medical issues, consistent hunger, poor growth, and frequent absences from school. Neglect can lead to a failure to thrive; where a child does not gain weight or grow as expected.

Bullying is a repeated aggressive behaviour intended to harm another individual physically, mentally, or emotionally. Although bullying is often associated with school-aged children, it can begin in early childhood settings such as nurseries or preschools, or from older siblings at home.

Signs of bullying include unexplained injuries, lost or destroyed personal items, frequent complaints of headaches or stomach aches, changes in eating habits, and an interruption in development.

Domestic violence exposure involves a child witnessing violent behaviour between household members. This exposure can be profoundly traumatising and impact a child's mental and emotional health.

Children exposed to domestic violence may display fearfulness, aggression, anxiety, trouble sleeping, and developmental regressions.

Exploitation refers to using a child for personal gain, including labour or trafficking. This form of abuse can be particularly insidious, as it often occurs under the guise of everyday activities.

Signs of exploitation include fatigue, unexplained absences from your setting, injuries from working and performing tasks inappropriate for their age. Children might mention working or their job. It is important to notice this as distinctive from pretend play.

Preventing and addressing these forms of abuse requires a multi-faceted approach.

Education is paramount; parents, teachers, and caregivers must be aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse.

- Creating safe environments where children feel secure and encouraged to speak up is crucial.

- Regular health and wellness checks can help detect early signs of abuse.

- Training professionals in early childhood settings to recognise and respond appropriately to abuse is also essential.

- Additionally, providing robust support systems, including counselling and support groups for children and families, can help mitigate the impact of abuse and aid in recovery.

Understanding and preventing abuse in early childhood is critical for ensuring the healthy development and well-being of children. By being vigilant and proactive, we can create a safer environment for our children, enabling them to grow and thrive free from harm and fear.

AUTHOR:- Iona has nearly 10 years of experience supporting nurseries and childminders in curriculum planning, leadership, and safeguarding. Her writing is informed by public information and sector insight, aiming to provide accessible, practical support for professionals working with children. She is part of the On the Button team, helping deliver Well-being, Safeguarding and Complaint Management Software that empowers practitioners to identify concerns early and act confidently.

On the Button provides innovative software tailored to the needs of the early years sector, with a strong focus on EYFS well-being and early years safeguarding. Our tools help senior practitioners to confidently track concerns, maintain robust records, and respond effectively — all while meeting statutory guidance. From early years complaint management to team-wide safeguarding alerts, our platform puts children's safety and emotional health first.