Child abuse is more common than we think. National Be Someone Day is celebrated on July 21 every year as a way to end child abuse and seek justice for the victims. The aim of the day is simple — it encourages adults to recognize instances of child abuse around them and to speak up about it. You can make a difference in ten seconds or less by simply reporting such cases to your local authorities. This is a day where we get to emerge as champions by saving a child’s life.
History of National Be Someone Day
National Be Someone Day was started to restore dignity to a child who might be under physical and emotional duress. On July 21, adults are encouraged to take some time off their day to make a difference in a child’s life by committing to reporting child abuse. People take pledges to recognize, report, and rehabilitate a child who is facing abuse. The ultimate goal of the day is to usher in a future where every child will have a right to a happy and dignified childhood. The day was founded by Project Harmony to not only end child abuse but to bring communities together through education and awareness.
Child abuse or child maltreatment is understood as the physical, sexual, and/or psychological abuse or neglect of a child, especially by a parent or a caregiver. It may also include any act or lack thereof by a parent, a caregiver, or other people that the child interacts with that results in the harm of a child’s well-being in their community, as well as in spaces such as their school. The terms ‘child abuse’ and ‘child maltreatment’ are often used interchangeably. However, child maltreatment is specifically understood as the neglect, exploitation, and trafficking of a minor. Different jurisdictions have different policies towards mandatory reporting, definitions of what constitutes child abuse to put them into foster care, and prosecuting a criminal charge. Nevertheless, it is unequivocally agreed upon that every child has a right to a safe childhood and it’s the responsibility of the adults around them to ensure this.
National Be Someone Day timeline
C. Henry Kempe’s article, ‘The Battered Child-Syndrome’, brings child maltreatment to mainstream awareness.
Child abuse emerges as an academic discipline in the U.S.
The American Psychiatric Association adds Child Psychological Abuse to the DSM-5.
The movie, “Spotlight”, explores the themes of child molestation charges against a local church.
National Be Someone Day FAQs
When is National Be Someone Day observed?
National Be Someone Day is observed on July 21 every year in the United States of America.
What is the aim of National Be Someone Day?
On July 21, National Be Someone Day challenges each of us to make a difference in the life of a child by reporting child abuse.
Who started National Be Someone Day?
National Be Someone Day was first organized by Project Harmony in America.
How to observe National Be Someone Day
Donate to Project Harmony
On National Be Someone Day you could donate funds to Project Harmony, the organization that started this day. Learn more about the work they do on their official website.
Take the Be Someone Pledge
Observe the day by taking the Project Be Someone Pledge. The pledge tells you about the five ways that can help end child abuse and become an adult that children feel safe to confide in.
Post on social media
You can observe the day by sharing stats, helpline numbers, and other information related to child abuse on your social media profile. Use the hashtag #NationalBeSomeoneDay for a wider reach.
5 Facts About Child Abuse That Will Blow Your Mind
It is more common than you’d think
At least one in seven children in the U.S. has experienced child abuse and neglect.
Infants are more susceptible to child abuse
Children younger than one year account for almost half of all child abuse fatalities.
Parents can be abusers, too
76% of child abuse perpetrators are a parent to their victim.
It leads to a difficult adulthood
Victims of child abuse are more likely to experience mental health difficulties as adults.
More girls experience it
51% of girls are victims of child abuse compared to 48% of boys.
Why we love National Be Someone Day
It saves lives
Reporting child abuse on time can save lives. It helps a child escape an abusive situation and puts them in a safer, happier place.
It aims for a better future
The ultimate aim of National Be Someone Day is to build a future in which there will be no child abuse. The day makes us hopeful that one day every child will be safe and free.
It helps us become better people
National Be Someone Day teaches us to be kind and empathetic adults who can make a positive difference in a child’s life. We can do this by listening to children when they speak up and respecting their personal space and boundaries.
National Be Someone Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | July 21 | Sunday |
| 2025 | July 21 | Monday |
| 2026 | July 21 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | July 21 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | July 21 | Friday |
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