Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of emotional damage in children?

C. Improved social skills is the characteristic that does not align with emotional damage in children. When a child experiences emotional damage, it often manifests through negative behaviors or emotional states rather than positive ones. Children dealing with emotional distress may struggle with social interactions, often showing outward aggressive behavior, significant anxiety, or observable changes in behavior that indicate their struggles. Conversely, improved social skills would typically suggest a level of emotional well-being and positive adjustment, which contradicts the notion of emotional damage. Therefore, this option stands out as not fitting the patterns typically associated with emotional harm in children.