Child abuse prevention in Kentucky draws attention to medicine storage and online safety.

Kentucky officials marked Child Abuse Prevention Month by urging safer storage of medications and greater attention to children’s phone and internet use; leaders cited state and national reports showing elevated child maltreatment concerns.

Kentucky officials and child advocates gathered at Family & Children's Place in Louisville to mark Child Abuse Prevention Month and to highlight steps they say can reduce risks to children. Speakers emphasized support for families, safe medication storage and awareness of children's phone and internet use. Attorney General Russell Coleman warned about risks he associates with social media and artificial intelligence and noted recent legal actions he has taken. Leaders also referenced state and national reports that show Kentucky's child maltreatment rate remains above the national average. Key points: - Officials held a public event urging safer storage of medications and attention to children's phone and internet activity. - Attorney General Russell Coleman criticized social media and artificial intelligence platforms and has filed lawsuits against TikTok and an AI company, as reported. - The article notes every adult in Kentucky is a mandated reporter and lists the state Child Protection Hotline as included in coverage. - Recent reports were cited showing ongoing child maltreatment concerns in Kentucky and instances of children ingesting dangerous substances, including cannabinoids, fentanyl and methamphetamine. Summary: Leaders emphasized both upstream family supports and everyday practices — such as secure medication storage and awareness of online activity — as part of prevention efforts. Several officials referenced current reports and past legal actions; specific next procedural steps were not provided. Undetermined at this time.