With schools closed and most forms of social interactions severed over coronavirus precautions, the state's Department of Human Services is asking all Pennsylvanians to watch for signs of child abuse.

“The unfortunate side of school closure is a lack of interaction between teachers and others who could report abuse,” said the department's Secretary Teresa Miller during a telephone conference Wednesday. “So the question is, how are we looking out for children who may be at danger at home?”

Miller said the answer to that question is regular people throughout the state who might come across evidence that a child has been abused.

“You don't have to be a mandated reporter to make calls to ChildLine,” Miller said.

With children spending most of their time at home now, Miller said her department has noticed a significant drop in the numbers of child abuse reports because the normal reporters like teachers and therapists are cut off from children in the usual setting in school.

“In a time of social distancing and public attention to the pandemic it's hard for people to pay attention to child safety,” Miller said.

Some common signs that a child is being abused, Miller said, are chronic anxiety, poor impulse control, demonstrating crass behavior, and multiple scars and bruises on the child.

“You don't have to have specific information to make the call,” Miller said. “It allows trained professionals to follow up and collect information. I encourage all Pennsylvanians to look around them and see if there are any children being abused.”

Miller also took the opportunity to note that taking care of children all the time can pose a special challenge amidst all the other challenges being presented by the coronavirus precautions.

“It can be incredibly difficult to play both parent and teacher while keeping up with our normal work,” Miller said. “It can be extremely emotionally taxing.”

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and typically around this time state officials like Miller would be holding public events to raise awareness of child abuse.

“We would've been standing shoulder to shoulder at this time to raise awareness for child abuse,” said Angela Liddle, president and CEO of the PA Family Support Alliance.

“The harsh reality is most of us are uncomfortable being around children 24 hours, seven days a week,” Liddle said. “And now we're facing additional stressors like job insecurity.”

She said her group, a child safety advocacy organization, “is prepared to help with a multitude of issues” for anyone who feels overwhelmed with all these challenges.

Her organization, she said, could help parents and guardians figure out how to cope during this challenging time and also to help deal with children with special needs.

But in the end, she said, people are each other's safety net, adding, “We have a message to community members, now is the time to be the best neighbor you could be.”

What to do if you suspect child abuse or need assistance:-To report suspected child abuse, call ChildLine, part of a mandated statewide child protective services program, at 800-932-0313-For parents or guardians who need help, call the PA Mental Health Crisis Support Line at 855-284-2494-Those having difficulty meeting essential needs can call 211.-For those looking for ideas to cope with pressures related to the coronavirus, visit https://www.pa-fsa.org/