Dr. Barbara Knox Shares 5 Ways to Protect a Child from Abuse

Dr. Barbara Knox says protecting children from abuse is not only about reacting when something goes wrong. It starts with awareness, daily actions, and the trust you build with your child. Abuse can be physical, emotional, or neglect, and it often happens in places where children should feel safe. That makes your role even more critical as a parent, guardian, or caregiver.

Dr. Barbara Knox, a board-certified expert in general pediatrics and child abuse pediatrics, has dedicated her career to caring for children and training future pediatric specialists. She has seen how small but consistent efforts from families can greatly improve child safety. Prevention is possible when you know what to look for, how to respond, and how to create an open environment. Here are five practical ways Dr. Knox recommends keeping children safe.

1. Pay Attention to Behavioral Changes

Children often communicate distress through behavior before words. If your child suddenly becomes withdrawn, fearful, or shows a sharp drop in school performance, pay close attention. A shift in sleep patterns, eating habits, or social behavior may also signal that something is wrong. You don’t need to jump to conclusions, but you should start asking gentle questions and create an environment where your child feels safe sharing.

2. Create Open Channels of Communication

Children need to know they can talk to you without judgment. Make it a daily practice to check in with your child. Ask about their day, friends, and feelings. Avoid yes-or-no questions. Instead, ask open-ended ones like, “What was the best part of your day?” or “Did anything happen today that made you uncomfortable?” By keeping conversations consistent and casual, you give your child the confidence to speak up when something isn’t right.

3. Learn the Signs of Abuse

Recognizing the warning signs can save a child from ongoing harm. Bruises in unusual places, frequent unexplained injuries, or signs of neglect like poor hygiene should raise concerns. Emotional signals, such as extreme fear of certain adults or reluctance to go home, are just as important. As Dr. Barbara Knox emphasizes, knowing these signs allows you to act quickly and protect your child before the harm escalates.

4. Build a Strong Support Network

You don’t have to face child protection alone. Surround your family with trusted adults, relatives, teachers, and healthcare professionals. Encourage your child to build safe relationships with people they can trust outside of you. When children feel supported by a broader community, it reduces isolation and gives them more safe options to seek help. If you ever feel uncertain, having a network makes it easier to reach out for guidance and resources.

5. Teach Boundaries and Body Safety

Children should understand that their body belongs to them. Teach them the correct names for body parts and explain that no one has the right to touch them in a way that feels wrong. Practice how to say “no” firmly and encourage your child to tell a trusted adult if someone crosses a boundary. Role-playing these conversations gives children confidence to speak up when needed.

Final Thought

Protecting children from abuse is about being present, informed, and proactive. You have the power to notice changes, build open communication, and set clear boundaries that strengthen your child’s safety. By taking these steps, you create an environment where your child feels safe, supported, and empowered to come to you with anything.