SAFETY TIPS TO SHARE WITH YOUR CHILDREN

A NOTE TO PARENTS

 Talking to our children about any situation that might endanger them can be uncomfortable for us as parents. We feel responsible for our children's safety and well being, but we don't want to frighten them or burden them with too much information.  Frequently, we don't know where to begin or what to say. Included here are some ideas that families can use to offer children accurate information in comfortable, reassuring ways that will help children to stay safe and work through difficult situations. Personal safety is best taught along with other kinds of safety so your child is not unduly frightened of other people.

SAFETY TIPS TO AVOID DANGEROUS SITUATIONS

• Stay two arm lengths' distance (the length of a bicycle) from strangers.
• Don't talk to any stranger.
• Don't take anything from strangers, not even your own things.
• Don't go anywhere with any stranger.
• Don't play alone in deserted areas or use public restrooms when alone.
• When at home alone, don't open the door at all or talk to unfamiliar callers on the phone, but do answer, "My parents are busy.
• "If you know that other children have weapons, tell an adult at home or at school immediately.

IF AN ADULT OR OLDER STUDENT MAKES YOU FEEL UNSAFE OR UNCOMFORTABLE:

• Say "NO!"Try to run away to a safe place.
• Tell the person who is making you feel unsafe that you are going to tell someone at home or at school.
• Tell an adult (Mom, Dad, teacher, school counselor) what happened as soon as possible.
• Remember that it is NOT your fault

WHAT HELPS CHILDREN DEVELOP THE ABILITY TO FOLLOW SAFETY TIPS

Communication and Expression Capacities

• Set aside a private time daily with your child to just listen to whatever they want to share.
• Teach children correct labels for parts of their bodies, including the genitals and make conversation about the body comfortable and natural. Then, if a child is approached sexually, he/she will feel more comfortable communicating this to you
• Tell your children that if anyone tries to confuse or hurt them, you want to know about it. Reassure them that you will never blame them for what an adult does.
• Play the "What if....?" Game. Ask your child "What would you do if...?" Let the child respond. Validate good ideas and offer suggestions gently.

Self-Esteem

• Help your child develop a sense of respect for the way their bodies look and function.
• Explain that children's bodies belong only to them and that they have the right to say no  to anyone who might try to touch them.  Help them to develop boundaries about touch,  physical affection, privacy, and nudity.
• Tell your children that adults they know, trust, and love, or possibly someone in a position of authority may try to do something unkind, unfair or sexual.  Sometimes these adults  call what they are doing a secret or may threaten the child. Emphasize that an adult who does something like this is doing something wrong. Emphasize that the vast majority of  adults never do this, and most adults are deeply concerned about protecting children from harm.
• Respect children's wishes for privacy when going to the bathroom, when taking a bath or spending time alone.

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