Be sensitive to changes in your children's
behavior; they are a signal that you should sit down and talk to
your children about what caused the changes.
Be alert to a teenager or adult who is paying an
unusual amount of attention to your children or giving them
inappropriate or expensive gifts.
Teach your children to trust their own feelings,
and assure them that they have the right to say NO to what they
sense is wrong.
Listen carefully to your children's fears, and be
supportive in all your discussions with them.
Teach your children that no one should approach
them or touch them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable. If
someone does, they should tell the parents immediately.
Be careful about babysitters and any other
individuals who have custody of your children.
SHARE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY RULES WITH YOUR
CHILDREN
If you are in a public place, and you get
separated from your parents, don't wander around looking for them.
Go to a checkout counter, the security office, or the lost and found
and quickly tell the person in charge that you have lost your mom
and dad and need help in finding them.
You should not get into a car or go anywhere with
any person unless your parents have told you that it is okay.
If someone follows you on foot or in a car, stay
away from him or her. You don't need to go near the car to talk to
the people inside.
Grownups and others who need help should not be
asking children for help; they should be asking older people.
No one should be asking you for directions or to
look for a "lost puppy" or telling you that your mother or father is
in trouble and that he will take you to them.
If someone tries to take you somewhere, quickly
get away from him (or her) and yell or scream. "This man is trying
to take me away" or "This person is not my father (or mother)."
You should try to use the "buddy system" and never
go places alone.
Always ask your parents' permission to leave the
yard or play area or to go into someone's home.
Never hitchhike or try to get a ride home with
anyone unless your parents have told you it is okay to ride with him
or her.
No one should ask you to keep a special secret. If
he or she does, tell your parents or teacher.
If someone wants to take your picture, tell him or
her NO and tell your parents or teacher.
No one should touch you in the parts of the body
covered by the bathing suit, nor should you touch anyone else in
those areas. Your body is special and private.
You can be assertive, and you have the right to
say NO to someone who tries to take you somewhere, touches you, or
makes you feel uncomfortable in any way.