What Can I Do As a Parent?

  • Know your children's friends and their families, caregivers, youth group leaders, teachers or any person spending time alone with your children.
  • Teach your child names for their private parts, and that they have the right to say no. Never make your child submit to physical contact if they do not want to.
  • Listen when your child tells you that he or she does not want to be with or go with someone else.
  • Understand that no one should want to be with your child more than you. When someone is showing your child too much attention, ask yourself why. Listen to your intuition.
  • Explain to your child who a “someone” is, when you instruct them to tell you if "someone" looks at or touches their private places.
  • Use the word surprise instead of secret with your children. Teach them to tell you when any adult asks them to keep a “secret”.
  • Do not put your child's first name on clothing or school books. This puts your child on a first name basis with anyone they may come in contact with.
  • Have a code word that only you and your children know to be used in an emergency.
  • Tell your children that when away from home, if they feel scared or uncomfortable, they have the right to use the telephone without anyone’s permission.
  • Believe your children if they say they have been abused. Encourage them to ask questions if they are confused or not sure if another's behavior is acceptable or not.
  • Recognize the signs of child abuse and neglect.
  • Know and practice computer and Internet safety.