Parents, teachers and social workers often try to identify and treat children at risk of various serious behaviors or illnesses--including dropping out of school, suicide or developing an eating disorder. While these issues cut across gender, class and racial lines, children at risk often exhibit some similar characteristics. Making parents and caregivers aware of these risk factors potentially helps to avoid many negative consequences of these behaviors. Suicide, for example, is often preventable and treatable, as are eating disorders. Schools can potentially lower their drop-out rates by creating programs and incentives for at-risk students.
Quitting School
The U.S. Bureau of the Census found several factors--some internal factors directly associated with the child and other, external ones found in their environment--that affect their willingness and ability to stay in school. Internal factors include the presence of one or more learning disabilities, retention of a grade or more in school and a lack of English skills. The environmental factors leading to drop-outs include living in a single-parent household, having parents who are recent immigrants, parental unemployment and a household income of less than $10,000. Location also appears to play a part in the identification of at-risk children--children from the inner city drop out at a higher rate than those from suburban or rural school districts.
Suicide
With suicide the fourth leading cause of death among children ages 10 to 14 in 2006, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recognizing children at risk for suicide and depression is a critical step toward preventing the problem. At-risk children often exhibit warning signs including suicide threats and notes prior to the act.
The American Association of School Psychologists also found several common factors that these children share, such as a history of mental illness, including conduct disorders, depression and substance abuse issues. Family stress, such as abuse or violence, and major life-changing events such as parental job-loss or a death in the family, can increase a child's risk of suicidal behavior. Environmental factors, such as the presence of firearms in the home, places children at a higher risk of acting on suicidal thoughts or feelings.
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders, such as bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa, involve eating patterns that often lead to rapid weight-loss and a disruption of your child's normal patterns and routines. Approximately one or two out of every 100 U.S. children struggles with an eating disorder, according to Dr. Michelle New of KidsHealth.org.
Untreated eating disorders might eventually lead to catastrophic organ failure and death, making it imperative to seek treatment as soon as a problem is suspected. Participating in certain sports and activities such as ballet, gymnastics, ice skating, cheerleading or wrestling potentially puts your child at a higher risk for the disorder. You might notice your child expressing constant concern about her weight or size compared to that of classmates or movie stars. Many children with eating disorders suffer from low self-esteem, and the disorder is often accompanied by other issues, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder or extreme anxiety.
