Education & Resources

Child abuse. It’s a topic no one wants to think about, much less talk about.

But just imagine what we as a community could do if we educated ourselves and each other about this horrible epidemic. We help to create safer, happier lives for our most vulnerable population.

Read on to learn how to: recognize child abuse, keep children safe from harm, and keep kids safe on the Internet.

Recognizing Child Abuse
(Source: National Children’s Advocacy Center; www.nationalcac.org.)

Tips for Keeping Children Safe from Harm
(Source: National Center for Missing & Exploited Children; www.missingkids.com)

1. Make sure you know where your children are at all times. Know your children’s friends and be clear with them about the places and homes they may visit. Make it a rule for your children to check in with you when they arrive at, or depart from, a particular location and when there is a change in plans. Let them know when you’re running late or if your plans have changed so they know the rule is for safety purposes and not being used to “check up” on them.
   
   
2. Never leave children unattended in an automobile, whether it is running or not. Children should never be left unsupervised or allowed to spend time alone or with others in automobiles. Remind children to never hitchhike, approach a car or engage in a conversation with anyone within a car they do not know and trust, or go anywhere with anyone without getting your permission first.
   
   
3. Be involved in your children’s activities. As an active participant, you’ll have a better opportunity to observe how the adults in charge interact with your children. If you are concerned about anyone’s behavior, take it up with the sponsoring organization.
   
   
4. Listen to your children. Pay attention if they tell you they don’t want to be with someone or go somewhere. This may be an indication of more than a personality conflict or lack of interest in the activity or event.
   
   
5. Notice when anyone shows one or all of your children a great deal of attention or begins giving them gifts. Take the time to talk to your children about the person and find out why the person is acting in this way.
   
   
6. Teach your children they have the right to say NO to any unwelcome, uncomfortable, or confusing touch or actions by others and to get out of those situations as quickly as possible. If avoidance is not an option, children should be taught to kick, scream, and resist. When in such a situation, teach them to loudly yell that the person is not their father/mother/guardian and then immediately tell you if this happens. Reassure them you’re there to help and it is okay to tell you anything.
   
   
7. Be sensitive to any changes in your children’s behavior or attitude. Encourage open communication and learn how to be an active listener. Look and listen for small cues and clues that something may be troubling your children, because children are not always comfortable disclosing disturbing events or feelings. This may be because they are concerned about your reaction to their problems. If your children do confide problems to you, strive to remain calm, noncritical, and nonjudgmental. Listen compassionately to their concern, and work with them to get the help they need to resolve the problem.
   
   
8. Be sure to screen babysitters and caregivers. Many states now have a public registry that allows parents and guardians to check out individuals for prior criminal records and sex offenses. Check out references with other families who have used the caregiver or babysitter. Once you have chosen the caregiver, drop in unexpectedly to see how your children are doing. Ask your children how the experience with the caregiver was, and listen carefully to the responses.
   
   
9. Practice basic safety skills with your children. Make an outing to a mall or park a “teachable” experience in which your children can practice checking with you, going to the restroom with a friend, and locating the adults who can help if they need assistance. Remember, allowing your children to wear clothing or carry items in public on which their name is displayed can bring about unwelcome attention from inappropriate people who may be looking for a way to start a conversation with your children.
   
   
10. Remember there is no substitute for your attention and supervision. Being available and taking time to really know and listen to your children helps build feelings of safety and security.
    
    
    

Keeping Kids Safe on the Internet

(Source: National Children’s Advocacy Center; www.nationalcac.org.)

1. Place the computer in a family area of the household and do not permit private usage.
   
   
2. Openly discuss potential dangers of the Internet with your child.
   
   
3. Enter into a safe-computing contract with your child about his or her use of these sites and computer use in general.
   
   
4. Know each of your child’s passwords.
   
   
5. Monitor what your child’s friends are posting regarding your child’s identity.
   
   
6. Often children and their friends have accounts linked to one another, so it’s not just your child’s profile and information you need to worry about.
   
   
7. Enable Internet filtering features if they are available from your Internet Service Provider.
   
   
8. Install monitoring software or keystroke capture devices on your family computer that will help monitor your child’s Internet activity.
   
   
9. Know what other access your child has to computers and devices like cell phones and PDAs.
   
   
10. An interactive educational safety resource is available for children ages 5 to 17 at www.netsmartz.org.