Take Immediate Action: Protect that child

With the continued rise in the number of child rape, kidnap, drug abuse, child abuse, bullying, death, depression, and suicide cases, it has become imperative to be more vigilant and keep an eye on the children as parents, guardians and caregivers because they are vulnerable and unable to protect themselves.

Signs that all is not well

Be concerned, probe further and take necessary steps to help that child if you notice the following:

1. Insistence on not doing what he or she enjoyed doing previously.

2. Irregular sleep patterns and staying awake at night due to bad dreams or nightmares.

3. Unexplained fear for a particular thing, somewhere or someone.

4. Sudden preference for being alone. That is withdrawal or isolation from people.

5. Craving or constant demand for something that he or she would never like.

6. Satisfaction in doing certain odd behaviour as biting nails, lips, gnashing of

teeth, wobbling legs among others.

7. Overly concerned about physical appearance and others perceptions.

8. Change to use of vulgar words, phrases or slang.

9. Less vocal with little or no verbal communication with others.

10. Enjoys playing with dangerous objects and threatening others

with them when provoked.

11. Rapid low performance in academic and non-academic activities.

12. Unnecessary violent tantrums and physical outbursts.

14. Constant Soliloquizing, talks to imaginary people and prefers being alone.

15. Increase or loss of appetite (anorexia) leading to either weight gain or loss.

16. Become defensive and lies even when the truth is evident.

17. Exhibit unhygienic and irritating behaviour.

18. Feigns sickness frequently or self-harms to avoid leaving the house.

19. Over-excitement and unusually playful.

20. Abnormal interest in being around older people especially a particular male or female.

What You Should Do

If you notice one or a few of these signs, here are steps to take:

· Do not ignore or dismiss any of these signs because they are indicators of something that requires urgent attention.

· Keep a mental or physical record of all your observations and discuss each with the child while probing or seeking answers.

· Avoid being silent or ignoring for too long before taking action.

· Avoid scolding the child or comparing with other children for any reason especially as a result of low academic performance.

· Avoid procrastinating and seek an immediate solution to whatever problem you suspect or identify.

· Seek relevant help and avoid self-medication or therapy.

Protect that child as much as you can by paying more attention and taking necessary action when the need arises.