Question

Which of these acts would be considered child maltreatment?

- a caregiver leaving a young child alone while going to the store
- a parent yelling at a child
- a stranger following a child
- a teacher withholding a snack after the child threw a toy

Answer 1

A caregiver leaving a young child alone while going to the store would be considered child maltreatment due to neglect. It's crucial to distinguish between acceptable discipline and neglect or abuse to ensure the well-being of children.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the scenarios provided, child maltreatment would be most clearly identified in the act of a caregiver leaving a young child alone while going to the store. This act is categorized as neglect, which represents the most common form of child maltreatment. Neglect includes the failure to provide for a child's basic needs and can occur when a caregiver leaves a young child unsupervised, exposing them to potential harm.

Other acts, such as a teacher withholding a snack as a consequence for throwing a toy, do not constitute maltreatment provided it is part of a reasonable disciplinary practice and does not harm the child. Child abuse and neglect can happen across all socioeconomic levels and cultural lines, with various factors contributing to maltreatment, including stress, substance abuse, and social isolation. It is important to distinguish between disciplinary actions and abuse or neglect, ensuring children's safety, health, and well-being are always prioritized.