69 / 124
It is imperative that kids
notify parents if
• They feel that they are being followed
• A stranger comes to talk to them for no
apparent reason
• Somebody tries to touch them
inappropriately
• Somebody offers them gifts or is asking them
to get into their car
• Somebody is asking them to take photos of
themselves
When to Start
Dr. Steingiesser says that it is important to begin talking to
your kids about these types of risks, particularly when they
are old enough to begin spending time out of home. Here
are some tips:
• Have conversations that are set at a developmentally
appropriate level and in language they will understand.
• It is especially important to speak to children about these
concerns when there becomes less need for supervision;
for example, when children begin attending school, using
social media, and meeting their friends at the local park.
• Whilst it is imperative that parents do have these
conversations with their children, one thing to be wary of
is ‘over-doing it’; as parents it is important that we do not
fear-monger; that is, we should avoid speaking in ways
that may cause our children to panic and become anxious
about this. This is particularly important to consider when
they are young and unable to rationalize the potential risk
for themselves.
Other precautions we can teach our kids
• It important that when in doubt, children approach and
talk to a trusted adult
• Parents should inform their children that it is essential
that they report suspicious behavior noticed around the
family home, school and other settings they frequent
• Parents should encourage their children to always keep
their mobile phone on and to remain contactable at all
times.
• Children should be encouraged to tell a trusted adult if
they are concerned that a friend may be vulnerable to
predation or if they have reported that anything of the
sort has happened to them.
• It is critical that we teach our kids, that if they have
been affected by predation in some way, they are most
certainly not to blame.
Advice for Parents
• An important first step is to educate our
children about the risks, which should be
done in a developmentally appropriate
manner. As the child matures, more
information regarding risks and safety can
be discussed. Irrespective of their age,
children can become aware of the risks and
of basic safety precautions they can take.
• An important factor to consider in trying
creating a happy medium is to establish
and maintain open communication within
the home; children will be more likely to
discuss such issues with parents when they
feel that it would be openly accepted and
appreciated.
• Parents should encourage their children
(especially young children) to maintain close
proximity to their caregivers at all times and
have a safety plan if they get lost or feel
unsafe for any reason.
• Children should memorize their address and
phone number in case of emergencies.
• It is critical that parents express this
information to their children in a serious, yet
not in an alarming way.
Kids Should Be Cautious Not To
• Accept friend requests from people online that they do not know in real-life
• Disclose personal information –for example, home address and mobile phone
numbers to people they do not know well or have not met in person
• Go places with people they do not know
H
67
Mar/Apr 2015