Report cards and abuse linked

Parents and teachers can help overcome obstacles.

We all want our kids to excel, especially in their school work, but for some kids bringing home a report card with a bad grade fills them with fear.

A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics and performed by researchers at the University of Florida found that when report cards are sent out on Fridays, the incidence of confirmed reports of child abuse almost quadruples.

“Medical evidence already shows that stressful events that occur in a family will increase the likelihood that child abuse will occur in the home” says Kelly Liker, MD, chief, division of child advocacy at Dayton Children’s Hospital.

“Stressors can take the form of financial pressures, arguments within the family, or unexpected losses or illness.

This recent study shows that receiving report cards can also be a stressful event that increases the likelihood of a child suffering physical abuse.

The study validates what the researchers had been hearing about from teachers and pediatricians who were observing this trend in their day-to-day work.”

If we know that report card day can be a stressful time for families, and that it can result in an increased incidence of child physical abuse, then what can we do about it?

Dr. Liker provides tips for teachers and parents to help overcome these obstacles.

1. Teachers may be able to identify children who receive poor grades as children at risk of being physically abused. Teachers can communicate with parents ways to identify barriers to a child’s success in school and ways to help them overcome those barriers.

For example, children can be taught how to identify when they are struggling and can learn ways to seek extra help, such as using reliable internet sources, taking initiative to ask the teacher questions or even requesting a t utor.

2. Teachers can provide resources for parents wanting to help their children do well in school.

3. Teachers should encourage parents to learn how to support their children through difficult academic times and reward small successes, which will reinforce positive behaviors.

These findings may warrant consideration by school administrators to develop policies around the timing and manner of report card distribution.

4. Parents and teachers may identify injuries in children which may be inflicted and can report these types of injuries to children’s services.

“Children are vulnerable and they should feel safe bringing home their report card,” says Dr. Liker.

“If your child brings home a bad grade on their report card, use the opportunity to encourage them to ask for help and figure out what you can do as a family to help.”

And remember, grades never tell the full story of a child’s potential. Parents should look for opportunities to praise their child for other areas in which they excel. This look at a children's health or safety issue comes from Dayton Children's Hospital. Email: newsroom@childrensdayton.org.