Cruelty to children is classified into three levels. When a parent, guardian, or other person overseeing a kid under the age of 18 knowingly deprives the child of required nutrition to the point that the child's well-being is compromised, this is considered first-degree cruelty to children. If a parent, guardian, or other person who has authority over a child ages 12 to 17 willfully causes serious bodily injury to the child or places the child in danger of such harm, this is also first-degree cruelty to children. Finally, if a parent, guardian, or other person who has authority over a child ages 6 to 11 causes serious bodily injury to the child or subjects the child to torture, either by burning, beating, or starving him/her, this is second-degree cruelty to children. In addition to these three degrees of cruelty, any act intended to cause a child emotional or physical pain is considered abuse. The line between discipline and abuse is not always clear-cut. For example, slapping a child on the hand with an open palm once for calling someone else by name would be considered abuse while hitting a child on the hand with a closed fist would be considered discipline. However, repeatedly hitting a child on the hand with an object such as a belt would be considered abuse even if the intent was discipline. The important thing is that you do not use violence against your child.