PARENT FACT SHEET
CHILDREN ARE GIFTS FROM GOD TO LOVING, CARING FAMILIES. AS THE PRIMARY EDUCATORS OF YOUR
CHILDREN, HERE ARE SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR YOU TO ENSURE THEIR SAFETY.
COMMUNICATION
Always keep communication open between you and your children. Encourage them to speak about their
day in school and afterward. Always listen respectfully and try not to react with emotion if you hear something, which shocks
or surprises you. Be ready to discuss, advise, even admonish in a calm and loving way. Praise your child whenever possible
and, if it is necessary to be disapproving, choose your words carefully and be as kind as possible when speaking. Young children
want to please their parents and can be emotionally hurt by critical comments. Always let the child know you love him
or her; it is the behavior you may not like. The more open a parent can be, the more interested in the child's behavior, the
easier it will be for the child to speak to the parent if serious problems occur. Be a good listener.
RECOGNIZING THE DIGNITY OF THE CHILD
All of us are children of God and, as such, must be treated with dignity and respect. Teach your
child about this dignity and that no one should touch him or her in a disrespectful way. Children should know the difference
between appropriate and inappropriate touches. We teach primary grade children that the parts of our bodies, which are covered
by a bathing suit, are private. It's advisable to use proper names for the parts of the body when you have this discussion
with your child. Tell the child that no one is ever to touch those private parts of their bodies unless they're at the doctor
for a check-up (and you are there with them) or when they might ask you for some assistance. Teach you children that the are
very precious to God and, if anyone tries to touch them in a private place, they are to say "NO" in a very loud voice and
that they should tell you immediately. Assure your children that if someone touches them, they are NOT at fault - the adult
who touched them is.
Tricks Used by
Sexual Predators: Sometimes, adults who want to abuse children use
lures to entice children. Here are some you can warn you children about.
Bad News
Trick - The predator tells a child that something bad happened (sickness or death of a parent,
fire...) and that the predator was asked to pick up the child and bring him or her home.
Bribe Trick - The predator offers something special that the child may /ant, and then asks for sexual favors in return.
Can I Help You Trick - The predator may give assistance to a child /hen needed or may offer to help the family of the child
by offering rides or babysitting. This puts the predator in a position of trust for future abuse.
Drug and Alcohol Trick - Drugs and/or alcohol can be given to a child to make it easier to take
Game Trick - Wrestling, tickling, accidental or deliberate contact with genitalia as part of the rules to a game
played with a child.
Help Me Tricks - The predator may ask for help from a child such as asking for directions, finding a lost pet, carrying
heavy packages.
Internet Trick - A predator will try to get personal information from le child. The predator may act as though he or
she is the same age as the child in order to establish a friendship. He or she often will send the child sexual material and
will try to set up a meeting with the child.
Position of Power or Authority Trick —
A Predator may be in a position
of authority such as a coach, police officer, priest or teacher and se this position to get children to be obedient to his
or her request.
You are Special" Trick - The predator gives special attention or favor to a child to gain trust for future
sexual abuse.
ON-LINE SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR PARENTS
(See www.salekids.com)
Parents must take
a full responsibility for their children's on-line computer use. Sexual predators often use the Internet to sexually exploit
children and teens. School age children should be strictly monitored whenever they use the computer. Here are some common
rules to set for your children.
• Never give personal, identifying
information to anyone on-line by your child.
• Never respond to messages that
are suggestive, obscene, or make you feel uncomfortable.
• Not everything you read on-line
may be true. An offer that is "too good to be true" probably is.
• Make the use of the computer a
family activity. The computer should not be in a child's bedroom but in the family room or living room.
• Use a filter to deny access
to certain types of material.
• Be suspicious if your
child spends late night time on the computer or if he or she changes the screen quickly when you come near.
BE CONSCIOUS OF BEHAVIOR CHANGES
If a child is experiencing emotional difficulties, his or her behavior often changes. The garrulous
child may become moody and reclusive; the quiet child may react with anger in fits of temper or voiced resentment. The vigilant
parent must be sensitive to these changes in ordinary behavior. This is the time when communication is very important
and a kind and caring approach is necessary. Make sure your children know your love for them and your interest in their concerns.
Sometimes children will speak to a grandparent, aunt or uncle if they are reluctant to speak to parents. Remember, if you
suspect that something is wrong, it probably is. Bring in your family support system to help you in this situation.
The Company Your Child Keeps
Always know where
your children are and who is supervising them. Be aware if an adult chaperone is paying attention to your child to the exclusion
of others. Be concerned about the adults with whom your child communicates via e-mail or phone if the adult seems to monopolize
his or her time. Be prudent about excursions and outings, which you allow your child to attend; try to serve as chaperone
yourself as often as possible. Let your children know that their friends are welcome in your home.
