What is characterized as second degree cruelty to children?

Second degree cruelty to children is defined as causing a child to suffer physical or emotional harm through criminal negligence. This involves situations where a caregiver fails to exercise reasonable care in safeguarding a child, leading to harm that could have been prevented. Criminal negligence refers to actions that are so careless that they show a disregard for the safety and well-being of the child.

In this context, it's important to understand that while deliberate physical abuse and extreme emotional distress can cause harm, they do not fall under the specific legal definition of second degree cruelty as prescribed by law. Similarly, failing to provide educational support, while neglectful, does not meet the threshold of criminal negligence as it pertains to physical or emotional harm directly caused to the child. Thus, the emphasis is on the lack of proper care resulting in harm, which aligns with the concept of criminal negligence highlighted in the correct choice.