North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

What is classified as misdemeanor child abuse?

1. Allowing a child to play outside unsupervised

2. Inflicting or allowing physical injury to a child

3. Taking away a child's privileges

4. Neglecting a child's homework

The correct answer is: Inflicting or allowing physical injury to a child

Misdemeanor child abuse is defined as actions that involve the infliction or allowance of physical injury to a child. This definition is critical because it focuses on the direct impact of the behavior on the child's physical well-being. Inflicting harm can occur through physical violence or enabling someone else to cause such harm, which is why this answer is accurate. In context, allowing a child to play outside unsupervised does not inherently cause physical injury and may depend on the situation, the age of the child, and the environment. Taking away a child's privileges typically relates to discipline and does not fall under the physical abuse category. Similarly, neglecting a child's homework, while potentially detrimental to their education, does not constitute abuse as it does not involve physical harm or injury.