As Child Abuse Awareness Month unfolds in April, it’s an opportune moment for parents, guardians, and caregivers to ensure that children of all ages are equipped with knowledge about personal safety. My journey in establishing the nonprofit organization, ChildSafe, has shown me that the threat of abuse transcends socioeconomic status, cultural backgrounds, and education levels. I personally endured six years of sexual and physical abuse before I found the courage to share my story. Thankfully, a strong support network enabled me to transform my pain into a mission to protect others. The encouraging reality is that many instances of child sexual abuse can be prevented through education and awareness.
As a mother of twins, I recognize that I, like all parents, play a critical role in safeguarding my children. We can impart age-appropriate personal safety lessons that are engaging rather than frightening. This protective parent is committed to ensuring her children can flourish while remaining safe. Here are some effective strategies for you to consider.
Elementary School Age
It’s vital to teach children how to discern between “safe” and “unsafe” situations, people, and secrets, depending on their feelings about each.
Help your child grasp that their body is their personal space, where they should feel secure and protected. Encourage them to stretch their arms wide and visualize a bubble surrounding them, marking their personal boundaries.
Clarify the distinction between safe and unsafe touches. Safe touches, like high-fives or hugs (when they feel comfortable), respect personal boundaries and evoke positive feelings. In contrast, unsafe touches can leave them feeling uncomfortable, scared, or confused.
The same concept applies to secrets: safe secrets bring joy and excitement, while unsafe secrets create feelings of discomfort or unease. If an adult requests a child to keep a secret indefinitely, it’s likely unsafe.
Encourage children to identify “Trusted Adults,” individuals who can help keep them safe. These are people they can talk to whenever they feel uneasy, whether about a disagreement with a friend or an inappropriate touch. Ideally, at least one Trusted Adult should be outside of the family.
Empower your children to use their “I Mean Business Voice” when they need to express themselves in uncomfortable situations. Teaching them to communicate assertively can help them assert their boundaries.
Reinforce the Lessons
As kids gain independence and engage in more activities, it’s crucial to reinforce the concepts mentioned above.
Educate your children that their personal space includes private areas of their bodies, as well as their mouths. Make sure they understand that these areas should not be touched or seen unless they are hurt or at a doctor’s office.
Teach them the proper anatomical names for their private parts.
Distinguish between “reporting” and “tattling.” Reporting involves informing a trusted adult about a safety concern, while tattling is simply complaining about someone.
Reiterate that if they feel their boundaries have been crossed, they should report it to a trusted adult in their Safety NETwork.
Teens and Middle School
As teens transition into middle school, they face increased responsibilities and the complexities of peer relationships.
Reinforce that greater freedom can lead to exposure to unsafe situations, especially with personal devices like smartphones and computers. Safe choices extend into the digital realm, so teach them to be aware of their surroundings and evaluate if a situation is safe.
Remind them that a trusted adult should always be informed about their whereabouts and activities.
Utilize the A.C.T. strategy:
- Ask how they can begin a dialogue with a friend in a potentially unsafe scenario.
- Care by showing concern for a friend’s safety.
- Tell a trusted adult to seek help, especially if asked to keep a harmful secret.
Teens in High School
High schoolers are nearing adulthood and enjoy more freedoms, such as driving and working. It’s essential they understand their right to safety and that abuse is never their fault. Assure them that they hold the power to stop abuse by confiding in a trusted adult until they are heard and supported.
Discuss the S.A.F.E. steps:
- Seek Help — Encourage victims to reach out for support.
- Trusted Adults — Emphasize the importance of involving trusted adults.
- Face Your Fears — Acknowledge that speaking up requires bravery.
- Enact Your Power — Remind them they have the ability to take action.
Conversations regarding safety need not be intimidating. For further tips and resources for families with school-aged children, don’t miss out on our insights at SaferSmarterFamilies.org. This curriculum was designed by ChildSafe’s founder and a team of educators and psychologists to equip children with essential safety knowledge in a developmentally appropriate manner.
In summary, fostering open dialogue about personal safety across all age groups is crucial. The more informed and empowered our children are, the safer they will be.
Keyphrase: Preventing Child Sexual Abuse
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