Point being? Child Abuse Prevention.

*MEDIA RELEASE*

Guest Column

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                              CONTACT: Michael J. Yates

DATE: April 15, 2025                                                                           PHONE: 865-719-7221

Point Being? The Power of Talk in Preventing Child Abuse

Oak Ridge, TN - In 2012, my family participated in a therapeutic camp designed to promote family cohesion and resilience. One of the activities all families took part in was creating a family crest and motto. At the time, our children—then 13 and 10—were highly verbal, bordering on precocious. It should come as no surprise that our family motto became, with unanimous agreement, “Point Being?”

We laughed then, as we still do now, at the fitting nature of our chosen phrase. Even thirteen years later, it remains a common refrain in our household—a lighthearted reminder of the way we connect through conversation.

Point Being?
During that therapeutic family camp experience, we discovered something fundamental—something that author Bruce Feiler described in his 2013 book, The Secrets of Happy Families: we talked. A lot.

Our conversations covered the full spectrum of human emotion and experience: tearful talks about bullying, reflective talks about lessons learned, deep talks about spirituality and faith, encouraging talks about taking risks, and joyful talks about success. Much of the time, our talk was just that—talk. Mindless, meandering, sometimes silly. But always, it was connection.

“Point being?” became our shared refrain when our chatter veered into prattle, when conversations turned aimless, or when tough talks got too heavy. It helped us refocus. So—what is the point?

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month—a time for communities across the country to come together and take action to support strong families, thriving children, and healthier communities. It’s a time to reflect on what helps families build cohesion, attachment, and resilience—protective factors that reduce the risk of child abuse.

Talking—a lot—may be more important now than ever.

Despite living in an age of unprecedented digital connectivity, many people today are experiencing profound levels of disconnection. American social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, in his recent book The Anxious Generation, warns that a lack of meaningful social connection not only harms individual well-being, but also weakens the fabric of our communities—and places children at greater risk.

Child abuse prevention begins with strong, healthy families. And research consistently shows that families who talk—frequently, openly, and honestly—are more resilient, more connected, and often, happier. Sure, there’s a place for social media and texting, but there’s also no substitute for real, face-to-face conversation. Talk is the vehicle by which connection, understanding, and community are built.

The U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, underscored this in his January Parting Prescription for America, writing: “[Community] is where we know each other, help each other, and find purpose in contributing to each other’s lives. Community also gives us strength and resilience when facing the big challenges and countless paper cuts that come with moving through the world.”

He goes on to say, “Ultimately, it’s hard to connect with each other when we can’t talk to each other.”

Now is the time to talk—a lot.

Point being?
Let’s come together as communities to support strong families, thriving children, and resilient neighborhoods. Let’s prioritize conversation—in our homes, schools, places of worship, and public spaces. Building strong social bonds, fostering supportive relationships, and seeking help when needed are essential steps in preventing child abuse and promoting mental health and well-being.

Because, simply put, that is the point.

If you or someone you know needs professional help, care can begin today through Ridgeview’s Walk-in Clinic locations in Anderson, Campbell, Fentress, Morgan, Scott, and Roane counties. Visit www.ridgeview.com to learn more.

For anyone experiencing a mental health crisis, Ridgeview’s Mobile Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at 1-800-870-5481.

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Michael Yates is the Director of Development at Ridgeview Behavioral Health Services

Ridgeview is a private, not for profit community mental health center with locations in Anderson, Campbell, Fentress, Morgan, Roane, and Scott counties.