National Be Someone Day

Every July 21^st is National Be Someone Day which is a day to have a positive influence for a child and to listen to them. This day also brings awareness for child abuse and for reporting it. Project Harmony Child Advocacy Center founded this day to educate and to end child abuse. Although April is the National Month of Child Abuse Prevention, it is crucial to be alert and to know the warning signs of child abuse; It is necessary to provide information to your neighborhood watch and the communities to be attentive in reporting child abuse and neglect. On this National Be Someone Day, you can make a pledge to report it. 

Furthermore, listen, be calm, and do not make assumptions while you listen to a child. Get involved in reporting child abuse by getting trained as a mandated reporter. Donate for child abuse prevention. Volunteer to a meals program, fundraising event, or donate to a service project to help a child feel safe. Take thirty minutes a day to listen to a child and be there for their emotional support. 

This day encourages you to be kind and to make a positive change to a child. Do not force them to speak about the abuse. As well as not to ask too many questions especially if the child feels frustrated, scared, sad, and changes the subject. Understand the child and believe in them. Keep in mind that abuse is more than the physical signs but also the emotional and behavioral aspects that get affected before and after the abuse.

One in three children with disabilities experience child abuse and neglect. Additionally, one in ten children experience abuse before becoming an adult. Teach your children that adults do not ask children for help. Encourage your children to make friends in school and not to be isolated. Remember not to leave a child unattended.

Be careful in using personalized items for school supplies. Do not use their full name on backpacks, thermos, pencils, and other items. Use initials for their jackets, sweaters, or other items. Another tip is to teach children to have a code word so they can let you know when they are in danger. Dedicate some time to speak to your child about protecting themselves on National Be Someone Day.

Use the hashtag, # National Be Someone Day and spread awareness of child abuse prevention. Be patient listening to your child. Avoid interrupting them. Express your concern to your child’s medical doctor if you suspect abuse. Learn to discipline your child without getting angry with them.

Set an example by instructing your child by finding solutions to problems and not by arguing. Be careful with words that you say in front of children and how you express yourself to others. Report immediately if your child or a minor has a conversation with you about being abused. Learn and understand the laws of your state as well as the required information for reporting abuse. Here are resources for child abuse prevention. 

 

Project Harmony:

Project Harmony

Prevent Child Abuse Organization:

Prevent Child Abuse Organization

CDC-Child Abuse Neglect-Prevention:

CDC-Child Abuse Neglect-Prevention 

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