Eight signs a child may need help

While every child deserves to grow up safe and loved, the heartbreaking reality is that many children are without adequate parental care—growing up alone or grappling with abuse or neglect.

But there’s hope.

With watchful community members like you and the tools provided in this guide, we can spot (and help) children in need.

Here are a few of the signs to look for:

Appetite shifts

Changes in eating patterns may hint at an underlying emotional issue or challenges at home. If a child eats less than normal, refuses to eat or eats an unusual amount at a time, it may indicate a need for support.

Constant worry

Feelings of anxiety can be normal, especially with large life changes like moving to a new area, starting school for the first time or playing a new sport. However, if these feelings become dominant and overwhelming—all a child talks or thinks about—he or she will likely benefit from additional support.

Declining grades

Plummeting academic performance for a typically consistent child is a cause for concern. While a decrease in a child’s grades could be a one-time occurrence, it’s important to keep an eye out for a repeating pattern that could point to deeper, hidden issues.

Defiant behaviors

Behavioral problems or changes are the most common sign that a child needs extra care. Disrespecting authority figures or fighting with other children at school are often outward signs of internal distress.

Difficulty concentrating

Difficulties concentrating could easily be the result of external stimuli distracting a child. But if a child is regularly distracted during everyday tasks, it’s crucial for a parent or trusted adult to take note as this sign could point to lack of sleep, inadequate nutrition or mental/emotional struggles. 

Frequent mood shifts

Frequent mood shifts can be a subconscious cry for help. Angry outbursts or sudden, teary meltdowns are often a child’s way of asking for help, especially if they don’t know how to verbalize the external or internal cause.

Physical changes

Dark under eye circles, baggy or overly tight-fitting clothing, eye contact avoidance—all of these outward cues may be signaling that something is not right. More obvious physical changes may include frequent injuries or bruising, which could signal a child is being abused. Other physical changes could be more subtle—like a child wearing long sleeves in the summertime which could also point to abuse or that the child is struggling with mental/emotional issues.

Socially withdrawing

When a child isolates from adults or other children on a regular basis, especially if they are usually outgoing and social, it can be a red flag that something is wrong. Social withdrawal could point to issues at home or a need for additional emotional support.

Examples of socially isolating include: eating lunch alone, a lack of desire to play with other children and avoiding school.

What now?

If you notice any of these symptoms in your child: 
  • Talk to them. Take care to ensure they know you deeply care for their well-being, creating a nonjudgmental space for them to talk about their physical and emotional health. You can be a safe space for them to open up as well as a helpful resource to help name and normalize their emotions, empowering them with essential guidance to manage their emotional health.
  • Consider reaching out to a health care professional. If these signs and symptoms persist, your child may need additional support from a health care expert. Finding a qualified physician, therapist or counselor trained in physical, emotional and mental health could be a critical asset in helping your child become their strongest, healthiest self.
If you notice any of these symptoms in another child: 
  • If you are close to this child, talk to them. As a trusted adult in their life, you can be a safe space for them to share. One of the above signs might be the result of recurring nightmares or bullying at school, or it could point to something more severe. You can help a child advocate for themselves by providing a listening ear and guidance on resources available to them.
  • Share your concerns with their parent or guardian. If you’re not close to the child or noticed the behavior at school or at an extracurricular activity, speak directly to the parent of the child and share your concerns. 
  • If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, immediately report your concerns to the appropriate authorities, like Child Protective Services, in the state you believe the mistreatment to be occurring. If you believe the child to be in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.

More ways you can help

Sponsor a child

There are over 150 million children in need of parental care around the world, facing the unimaginable hardships of navigating childhood alone. Your sponsorship can change that. You can give a child a stable, loving family and become the trusted adult and friend they need.

Sponsor a child

Give a meaningful gift from from the SOS Gift Shop

The gifts in our Gift Shop are real products needed by real people particpating in our programs around the world. From eye glasses to school supplies, your generosity can help provide a child with the essentials to live a safe, healthy and joyful life.

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Donate

At SOS, we’re dedicated to ending violence against children, including abandonment and neglect. Your donation will help provide a child with a safe home, caring family and a loving caregiver—the kind of person who’s always there to provide the resources they need to thrive. 

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