| Keeping your children safe from child predators | | | | parent more expeditiously. |
| sounds like a scary proposition, but it doesn't have to | | | | 6. Prepare a child with what to do if they get lost: |
| be. Just as we teach children about the dangers | | | | Teach your child to find a safe person if they |
| associated with crossing the street or going near a | | | | become lost. A safe person is a police officer, |
| hot oven, we must talk to them about recognizing | | | | someone in the store with a store uniform or |
| and avoiding threatening encounters with child | | | | wearing a nametag, or a mother with children. |
| predators. | | | | Children should also learn to stay in the general area |
| 1. No secrets. Period. Encourage your children to tell | | | | where they last saw you so you can find them when |
| you about things that happen to them that make | | | | you retrace your steps. |
| them feel scared, sad or uncomfortable. If children | | | | 7. Internet Safety: Install a safety browser on your |
| have an open line of communication, they will be | | | | computer so that you can make the decisions about |
| more inclined to alert you to something suspicious | | | | which websites are appropriate for your children to |
| before it becomes a problem. | | | | view. Teach your child never to give out their last |
| 2. Don't dress children in clothing or accessories with | | | | name, address, or phone number to a person on the |
| their name on it. Customized clothing breeds | | | | Internet and never to meet Internet friends in |
| familiarity, which can create a false sense of trust. If | | | | person without a parent's supervision and consent. |
| a stranger comes up to your child and says "Jenny, | | | | Always keep your computer in a public area of your |
| your Mom told me to bring you home so you can | | | | house - not in a child's bedroom. |
| have dinner", your child may be more inclined to go | | | | 8. Let children decide for themselves how they want |
| along because this person knows their name. | | | | to express affection. Children should not be forced to |
| 3. Teach your child the correct terms for their body | | | | hug or kiss if they are uncomfortable. Even if they |
| parts. This will make them more at ease if they need | | | | are your favorite aunt, uncle or cousin, your child |
| to tell you about a touch that made them feel | | | | should not be forced to be demonstrative in their |
| uncomfortable. | | | | affection. While this may displease you, by doing this, |
| 4. Practice "what if" scenarios. Say to your child, | | | | you will empower your child to say no to |
| "What would you do if someone offered you a treat, | | | | inappropriate touching. |
| or a gift when I wasn't there?" Help your child arrive | | | | 9. Teach children the buddy system. Children should |
| at the right answer, which is to say no, and ask you | | | | learn it is safer to be with a friend or trusted adult |
| first. Many parents also encourage children to walk or | | | | than to be alone. |
| run away in this situation. | | | | 10. Teach your child that adults do not need to ask |
| 5. Teach your child their name, address and phone | | | | children for help. Predators use tricks to lure children, |
| number at an early age. Start teaching children at an | | | | for example, asking them to help find a lost pet, give |
| early age their name, address and phone number. | | | | directions, or help carry something. When you are |
| When young children are separated from their | | | | sitting down talking to your child, use these examples |
| parents, even for a short time, they are potential | | | | as part of your "what if" scenarios to reinforce the |
| targets for child predators. If a child has their parent's | | | | lessons about safety. |
| cell phone number, the child can be reunited with the | | | | |