What defines serious mental injury in a child?

The definition of serious mental injury in a child revolves around substantial and ongoing psychological harm that significantly affects the child's emotional and social functioning. This is why the choice that describes conditions rendering a child severely anxious or socially withdrawn aligns with the concept of serious mental injury.

Such conditions suggest that the child is experiencing a sustained level of distress, which can hinder their ability to interact socially and manage emotional responses effectively. This encompasses a range of psychological impacts that are not merely temporary or reactionary but indicate a profound deficit in the child's ability to function normally in daily situations. By emphasizing long-lasting effects such as severe anxiety and social withdrawal, this definition captures the essence of serious mental injury, highlighting the need for recognition and appropriate interventions to support the child's mental health and well-being.