It can be very uncomfortable to watch the mistreatment of a child by an adult who is out-of-control, but difficult to know how you can help.

If you witness abuse in a public place:

• Start a conversation with the adult to direct attention away from the child. You might say:
  "She seems to be trying your patience."
  "My child has gotten upset like that too."
  "Children can wear you out, can't they? Is there anything I can do to help?"
• If the child is misbehaving, divert his/her attention by talking to him/her.
• Look for an opportunity to compliment or praise the adult or child and put them in a more positive mood.
• If the child is in danger, offer assistance. For example, if the child is left unattended in a grocery cart, stand by the child until the adult returns.
• Avoid negative remarks or looks. These reactions are likely to increase the adult's anger by embarrassing them and could make matters worse.

Advocate for services to support children and families, particularly those most at risk. Help educate others by talking to community and business leaders, clergy, neighbors, co-workers, and family about the needs of the community and how to get involved.

There are many ways you can be an advocate for healthy kids:

• Put up posters or distribute brochures about Child Abuse Prevention Month at your favorite shops, restaurants, or grocery store.
• Organize a drive for teddy bears, clothes, toys, or baby supplies for children and families in need.
• Serve on the Board or Advisory Committee of an organization supporting children and families.
• Involve your neighborhood or group of friends in a fundraising project. Plan a garage sale, bake sale, car wash, talent show, etc. and donate the proceeds to a children's organization.
• Write letters to the editor and to your elected officials about the importance of funding for services to children and families.
• Get your workplace or business involved in child abuse prevention efforts. Encourage your company to support non-profits serving children with financial donations and volunteer time. Distribute information on child abuse prevention and resources through bulletin boards, company newsletters, and paycheck inserts.
• Invite an expert in child abuse prevention or child development to speak at your church, staff meeting, or community group meeting.
• Vote! Learn about political issues affecting services for children and families and give your input.
• Make a donation to a local children's organization. Get your family, especially children, involved in supporting these organizations too.

Children's exposure to violence on television, in the movies, on the internet and in video games can have a lasting impact on their perception and acceptance of violence in real life. Watch television and movies with your child and closely monitor use of the internet and video games. Images can be scary and confusing; help teach your child that aggression is not a good way to handle frustration or solve problems.

Internet Safety
The internet is a growing part of how children learn, and often has a big impact on how they relate to the world. It can be a wonderful teaching and entertainment tool for children if these safety tips are kept in mind:

• Investigate software and features offered by internet providers that block access to adult-oriented sites.
• Create guidelines for use of the internet, particularly about how much time children are allowed to spend on the internet and about meeting people on the internet.
• Make sure children know what to do if internet friends ask for their picture or want to see them in person.
• Let children know they can come to you if something they see makes them feel uncomfortable.
• Spend time on the internet with children, giving them a chance to show what they have learned and what they like.
• Keep the computer in a high traffic area so it is easy to monitor what children are doing on the internet.
• Explore the internet and find sites you think would appeal to children. "Bookmark" them so children can go directly to them without using search engines, where they are more likely to find inappropriate sites.

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