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CHILD SAFETY TIPS

1. Avoid scare tactics when discussing personal safety. Reassure your child that most people are kind and safe. Those who aren't are the exception.
   
2. Straight talk works best when discussing the serious topic of personal safety with children. Avoid gimmicks like puppets, coloring books or cartoon figures.
   
3. Teach your child basic sex education, i.e. The areas of the body covered by a bathing suit are private.
   
4. Establish that sexual abuse is a crime. This gives children the confidence to assert themselves with those who try to abuse them.
   
5. Allow children to express affection on their own terms. Do not instruct them to "Give Uncle Jimmy a kiss" or "Give Aunt Susan a hug."
   
6. Develop strong communication skills with your child. Explain the importance of reporting abuse or attempted abuse to you or another trusted adult.
   
7. Make a commitment to spend quality time with your child. Lonely and attention-starved youngsters are most vulnerable to abuse.
   
8. Stress that there should be no secrets from you, especially those involving an adult.
   
9. Make it a priority to get to know your child's friends and families.
   
10. Encourage involvement in and chaperone extracurricular activities. Children with many interests are less likely to experiment with drugs.
    
11. Make it clear that you expect your child to never try drugs. Help youngsters practice standing up to peer pressure, and urge them to come to you if it becomes too great. Find solutions to peer pressure together.
    
12. Stress the importance of reporting rumors or threats of violence, including bomb threats and weapon possession, by schoolmates. Reinforce that reporting can be done anonymously, but that school officials must be told for the safety of everyone.
    
13. Do not rely entirely on "The Buddy System." While it may make children (and parents) feel safer, its effectiveness is questionable.
    
14. A "Family Code Word" can be circumvented. Develop a Family Plan of Action instead, specifying who will contact your child in case of an emergency.
    
15. Above all, encourage children to recognize, trust and follow their instincts about people and situations - and listen to your own instincts.