Background

In Hong Kong, child abuse cases surged by over 50% in 2023.

A tragic high-profile case in which a five-year-old girl's drawing led to her parents’ murder conviction highlighted the urgent need for intervention.

In response, a new law was passed in 2024 (The Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Bill)—making it mandatory for teachers to report suspected cases of abuse.

However, most teachers lack the training to recognise signs of abuse, particularly those hidden in children’s drawings.

Creative Idea

Using a database of over 200,000 images, ‘Safe Sketch’ is a free app that helps teachers detect hidden signs of abuse in children’s drawings.

Insight

Abused children often hide subconscious clues in their drawings.

Sadly, most of these go unnoticed.

Strategy

Leveraging this insight, we analysed a database of over 200,000 drawings to identify common indicators of abuse.

This approach informed the design of the ‘Safe Sketch’ app, empowering teachers to recognise clues that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Teachers are encouraged to download the ‘Safe Sketch’ app and utilise it in their classrooms to help identify and support children who may be experiencing difficulties.

This initiative addresses a pressing societal issue, equipping educators with the tools they need to intervene effectively—and reinforcing Save the Children’s mission to ensure every child has the opportunity to grow up healthy, educated and safe.

Execution

Using a database of over 200,000 drawings, ‘Safe Sketch’ searches for subtle clues hiding in plain sight.

From object proportions and distortions, to colour choices and brush pressure, an algorithm identifies (combinations of) elements that may serve as warning signs.

Some of these indicators include:

SHARP FINGERS OR TEETH. A possible sign of threat, fear or aggression.

EXAGGERATED PRIVATE PARTS. Often indicates sexual abuse, distorted boundaries or harmful exposure.

LARGE, BLANK EYES. A sign of emotional emptiness, trauma or deep fear.

FLOATING PORTRAITS. Often suggests helplessness or disconnection.

NO ARMS. Suggests an inability to stop abuse.

TINY FIGURES. May reflect low self-esteem or insignificance.

EXCESSIVE USE OF RED. Commonly associated with anxiety, aggression or distress.

PRESENCE OF WEAPONS. May indicate exposure to violence or a need for self-defense.

Potential cases of abuse are then red-flagged, prompting teachers to seek further evaluation—and allowing them to intervene before it’s too late.

Results

‘Safe Sketch’ serves as a vital tool for safeguarding kids.

Children can now be assessed, by simply letting them draw—because sometimes, a child’s drawing can reveal a much bigger picture.

Developed in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of experts, including: child psychologists, art therapists, child welfare specialists, educators, and AI and machine learning experts.

Championed by kindergartens across Hong Kong.