April is Child Abuse Prevention Month: Let’s make child safety a priority!
Start the conversation about safety early with your child. Teach that private parts are private. Teach children accurate names of private body parts. Avoid focusing exclusively on “stranger danger.” Keep in mind that most children are abused by someone they know and trust.
Foster an open environment for sharing feelings-show that you are interested and want to see and understand your child’s feelings, thoughts and experiences. Make sure your child knows you love them even if they did something wrong or made a mistake. Ask for your child’s opinion and ideas. Let your child know that they can come to you if something is wrong even if someone touches them in a way that is uncomfortable. Keep dialogue open and ongoing.
Teach children about body safety and the difference between “okay” or
safe” and “not okay” or “not safe” touches. Let children know that they have the right to make decisions about their bodies. Empower them to say no when they do not want to be touched, even in non-sexual ways (e.g., politely refusing hugs or kisses) and to say no to touching others. Teach them to swap hugs and kisses for high fives or fist bumps or other more comfortable ways to show affection without full body touching.Make sure children know that adults and older children never need help with their private body parts (e.g., bathing or going to the bathroom). Teach children to take care of their own private parts (i.e., bathing, wiping after bathroom use) so they don’t have to rely on adults or older children for help.
Educate children about the difference between good secrets (like surprise parties—which are okay because they are not kept secret for long) and bad secrets (those that the child is supposed to keep secret forever, which are not okay).
Trust your instincts! If you feel uneasy about leaving a child with someone, don’t do it. If you’re concerned about possible sexual abuse, ask questions.
RESOURCES
NCTSN Resources | The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
Resources For Parents | Stop It Now
Every child is at risk from online predators and exploitation. Keep them safe by knowing who they're engaging with. Set clear rules for social media, gaming, and chats! Talk about the risks in advance and Initiate ongoing conversation frequently. Be comfortable discussing sexual exploitation and online predators. Showing your child that you are comfortable with this topic will increase the likelihood that they will come to you for help if something inappropriate does occur.
ONLINE SAFETY RESOURCES
Children’s Screen Time Action Network- www.screentimenetwork.org
Screen Strong Facebook Group- www.facebook.com/bescreenstrong
National Center For Missing and Exploited Children- www.missingkids.org/netsmartz/home
Common Sense Media- www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/online-safety
FOSI-Family Online Safety Institute- www.fosi.org/how-to-be-good-digital-parent
ELECTRONIC SAFETY
Bark Products- www.bark.us/how/ (cell phone and parental controls)
Gabb Products- gabb.com/why-gabb/ ( cell phone with parental controls)
Pinwheel Products- www.pinwheel.com/howitworks ( cell phone and parental controls)
Aura www.aura.com (parental control app)
Qustodio www.qustodio.com (parental control app)
Child safety isn’t a one-time conversation—it’s an ongoing commitment. Stay involved, stay aware, and don’t hesitate to act when something feels off. Your presence and vigilance can make all the difference.