3 Tips to Keep Children Safe

As a child safety advocate, I am often asked how to talk to children about safety in a non-scary way.  It is important to find the right time to talk to your child.  Look for teachable moments - an unplanned opportunity when the subject comes up or fits in.  It may be something that is going on in the news that creates the opportunity to discuss safety with your child.  Seize the moment and have your safety tips ready to go.

1.      Practice “what if” scenarios.

Periodically say to your child, "What would you do if someone offered you a treat, or a gift when I wasn't there?" Help your child arrive at the right answer, which is to say no, and ask you first.  Many parents also encourage children to walk or run away in this situation.  It is important to remind children not to get into a car with someone they do not know.

2.      Discuss Internet Safety.

Install a safety browser on your computer so that you can make the decisions about which websites are appropriate for your children to view.  Teach your child never to give out their last name, address, or phone number to a person on the Internet and never to meet Internet friends in person without a parent’s supervision and consent.   Parents should help children choose a screen name that does not disclose information about their location.  Teach children not to post pictures with identifying information such as a school uniform.  Ideally, children should not post pictures on the Internet at all.  Always keep your computer in a public area of your house – not in a child’s bedroom.  If multiple computers for multiple children are necessary, consider laptops with wireless Internet.

3.     Teach your child that adults do not need to ask children for help.

Predators use tricks to lure children, for example, asking them to help find a lost pet, give directions, or help carry something.   When you are sitting down talking to your child, use these examples as part of your “what if” scenarios to reinforce the lessons about safety.

If you address safety on a routine basis, these tips will become second nature to your child.  Send us an email at [email protected] and let us know about your safety tips.  We will share them in upcoming newsletters.  To receive upcoming newsletters, join our list at http://www.MyBodyBelongstoMe.com and visit us on Facebook.

Bio:

Jill Starishevsky is a mother of three and a prosecutor of child abuse and sex crimes in New York City.  In October 2006, Jill launched HowsMyNanny.com to support parents and their children.  HowsMyNanny.com is the first online nanny reporting service that works to keep children safe by enabling parents to receive positive or negative feedback on their child's caregiver.  Jill is also the author of "My Body Belongs to Me", a children's book intended to prevent child sexual abuse by teaching children that their bodies are their own. http://www.MyBodyBelongstoMe.com