What is meant by 'child abuse'?

The term 'child abuse' refers to the harmful treatment of children that encompasses various forms of mistreatment, including physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect. This definition emphasizes that abuse is not just about overt harm, but also includes failures to provide for a child's basic needs. Therefore, the comprehensive view of child abuse as harmful treatment aligns with the correct answer, which highlights neglect specifically as an aspect of abuse.

Strict parenting methods, severe discipline practices, and undisciplined behavior in children do not capture the essence of child abuse as they can sometimes be characterized by discipline or behavior that may not constitute abuse. These approaches might be controversial or debated in parenting circles but do not meet the legal or social definitions typically associated with child abuse. Understanding these nuances is crucial for recognizing the impact of various treatment modalities on child well-being.