In order to protect a child, you need to first decide what is best for them. If a child appears to be abused you call child protective services/911. If it is your child and you were trying to protect her or him simply guide the child and do not sugarcoat situations like other parents because then the child will not be able to see that a scenario or situation is actually serious and therefore they will end up being in it . For example,Teach your kids about the dangers of guns instead of like other parents telling them not to use it simply tell them why they can’t use it and it will guide them in a different path that will protect them in the long run does that answer your question?