INTRODUCTION
When a child harms another child, it becomes abuse when there are circumstances that are not considered normal.
This could be due to
- an imbalance of power, or
- significant difference in age, or
- nature of harm
- method of causing harm
These matters should always be reported as it can be a strong indicator of
- the offending child being abused, or
- a need for medical intervention including psychiatric care, or
- need for intensive behavioural management
When we talk about children committing child abuse, we need to remember the words “not considered normal conduct”. We are not talking about playground fights, or harm caused as part of normal play and social development. That should be dealt with using ordinary behavioural management strategies, guidance and support. Children harming children can be abuse when there is an imbalance of power such as when one child is physically or intellectually disabled. Or it can be abuse when there is a significant difference in age, like a 9 year old boy torturing a toddler. It’s also abuse when the nature of the harm or method of causing harm is clearly abusive. Example - a 9 year old boy sexually abusing a 9 year old girl.
Always report these matters as it is a strong indicator of the offending child being abused. There may also be a need for medical or psychiatric intervention, or intensive behavioural management.
When thinking about what child abuse is – you focus on the effect on the child – not the age or state of mind of the perpetrator.
