While many parents feel that they are faced with new and
unprecedented challenges when trying to keep their children safe in today's
fast-paced and increasingly global society, the National Center for Missing
& Exploited Children offers these common-sense, general safety tips to help
parents put these challenges into perspective.
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Make sure you know where each of
your children is at all times. Know your children's friends and be
clear with your children about the places and homes they may visit. Make it
a rule that your children check in with you when they arrive at or depart
from a particular location and when there is a change in plans. You should
also let them know when you're running late or if your plans have changed so
that they can see the rule is for safety purposes and not being used to
"check up" on them.
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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 other in
automobiles, as the potential dangers to their safety outweigh any perceived
convenience or "fun." Remind children to never hitchhike,
approach a car or engage in a conversation with anyone within a car that
they do not know and trust, or go anywhere with anyone without getting your
permission first.
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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.
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Listen to your children. Pay
attention if they tell you that 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.
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Notice when someone 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.
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Teach your children that they have the right to say
NO
to any unwelcome, uncomfortable, or confusing touch or actions by others.
Teach them to tell you immediately if this happens. Reassure them that
you're there to help and it is okay to tell you anything.
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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 to 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, non-critical,
and nonjudgmental. Listen compassionately to their concern, and work with
them to get the help they need to resolve the problem.
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Be sure to screen babysitters and
caregivers. Many states now have a public registry that allows
parents 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.
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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, using pay telephones, going to the restroom with a
friend, and locating the adults who can help if they need assistance.
Remember that 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.
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Remember that 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.
