By Myia Lane-Anderson
Many women have had the quiet, unsettling feeling that something may not be right with a child in their orbit. Perhaps the child suddenly becomes withdrawn, fearful or unusually anxious around a certain adult. Maybe you notice unexplained bruises, frequent absences from school, poor hygiene or a dramatic change in behavior.
These moments can raise concern, yet many people hesitate to intervene because they fear opening a “Pandora’s box.” They worry about being wrong, damaging relationships or disrupting the child’s life.
THE SIGNS MAY BE SUBTLE
The truth is that child abuse and neglect are often hidden, and the indicators may not be obvious. While physical injuries may be apparent, many signs are behavioral or emotional. A child may become unusually quiet, overly compliant, aggressive or anxious. Some children avoid going home, seem excessively fearful of making mistakes or display knowledge or behaviors that are not age appropriate. Neglect also can show up in chronic hunger, consistently dirty clothing, untreated medical issues or lack of supervision.
STEPS TO TAKE IF SOMETHING SEEMS OFF
If you suspect something may be wrong, your role is not to investigate, but to create a safe and supportive moment for the child. If an opportunity arises, speak with the child in a calm and private setting. Use open and gentle language such as, “I noticed you seemed upset earlier. Do you want to talk about it?” Avoid leading questions or suggesting answers. Instead, listen carefully, stay calm, and reassure the child that he or she is not in trouble and deserves to be safe.
YOU DON’T NEED PROOF TO ACT
Many adults hesitate because they want certainty before acting. However, when it comes to protecting children, you do not need proof. If your concern persists, or a child discloses something troubling, it is appropriate to take the next step. In Mississippi and many other states, suspicions of abuse or neglect can be reported to Child Protective Services. Reporting does not mean you are accusing someone of a crime; it simply allows trained professionals to assess the situation and ensure the child’s safety.
Trusting your instincts can feel uncomfortable, especially if the suspected abuser is someone you know or care about, but protecting a child must take priority. By paying attention, offering a safe space for a child’s voice and reporting concerns when necessary, caring adults play a critical role in breaking the silence around abuse and ensuring that children receive the protection and support they deserve.
Myia Lane-Anderson, licensed clinical social worker, is an adolescent/ teen therapist at Premier Professional Counseling Services. Reach her at info@premiercounselingservices.net.
Standing up for kids: National Child Abuse Prevention Month
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of protecting children and strengthening families. Across communities, organizations, advocates and caring adults work together to highlight the signs of abuse and neglect, promote safe environments and remind everyone that preventing child abuse is a shared responsibility.
Want to show your support? Participate in awareness initiatives like Wear Blue Day. You also can embrace the key themes for 2026, including, “Powered by Hope, Strengthened by Prevention.” To learn more, visit www.childwelfare.gov.