Which of the following is a common sign of physical abuse in children?

• A. Avoidance of eye contact
• B. Normal energy level
• C. High school enrollment
• D. Consistent appetite

Answer: (A)

Recognizing behavioral indicators of physical abuse. Avoidance of eye contact is a common sign because children who have been harmed often fear adults and respond by shrinking away from looking at them, reflecting trauma and safety concerns. The other possibilities don’t reflect abuse-related changes: a normal energy level, being enrolled in high school, or a consistent appetite can occur in children without abuse and do not by themselves signal trauma or harm. In practice, observers look for combinations of signs—such as unexplained injuries, fear of going home, flinching or guarding a body part, and sudden shifts in mood or behavior—along with patterns of eye contact to assess safety and the need for further evaluation.