Resources | Keep Our Kids Safe

Violence against children is on the rise. Being informed as adults is one step, but relating this information to your kids is the next big step that must be taken. You can not watch your children 24 hours a day, but you can teach them to be safe, and how to protect themselves.

How do we talk comfortably with our children about unthinkable acts?
The best time to talk to them is now, especially with children having just gone back to school. Use age-appropriate and simple words. Assure your children that you are not trying to scare them, but helping to teach them to be safe and live a long life.


Empower Our Children
Dangers do exist, but by following these guidelines with your children, hopefully they will avoid or escape from potentially dangerous situations:

  • By age 5, your children should know their full name, address, home and cell phone numbers. Teach them what to say to a 911 operator if they have an emergency.
  • Reassure your children that it's OK to tell you anything, even if a person made them promise not to say a word or threatens them. Explain that if a person causes them to feel frightened, confused or uncomfortable, they must say NO! "Trust, as in trusting your gut feeling, is key to a child sensing when something or someone is not right," says Warschaw.
  • Have your children fingerprinted. Many community fairs and local police stations sponsor this service. This document and a recent photograph of your child are very useful when tracking and identifying a missing child.
  • Stress to your children to always check with a parent or caretaker before getting into any car, even if it belongs to someone they know. Be sure they tell you where they are going, with whom and when they will be back home.
  • Explain to your children that the areas of their body covered by a bathing suit are private and should never be touched by anyone - except a doctor, if needed, and with a parent present.
  • Have a family code word. It could be a pet's name or favorite color. If your child is lost or waiting for you, and a stranger approaches saying, "Your mom had an emergency and asked for me to take you home," have your child ask for the code word. If the stranger doesn't know it, he/she is to scream and run for help.
  • Stay involved in your children's lives. Attend school field trips, host play dates and sleepovers. Get to know your children's friends and families before you allow them to participate in these activities in their homes.
  • Share meals with your children and have them share the best and worst that happen to them at school. Listen carefully to your child's fears and be supportive in all discussions.

Awareness

Additional article on Keeping Kids Safe.