Sexual predators are far more common than you think. In fact, there are over 750,000 people registered on the United States sex offender registry.
With threats at school and online, it seems like there are more threats than ever. This leaves parents wondering what they can do to keep kids safe.
Read on to learn how to keep kids safe at school and online. Explore five essential rules for keeping kids safe from predators at school.
1. Talk To Your Children
Talking to your children is the first step in fighting back against sexual predators. They have to be aware that there are threats both online and at school.
Talk to them about what constitutes inappropriate conversation or touching. Young children must understand that they are in control of their body and who touches them.
There are safe touches like when a nurse treats an injury or a teacher gives a supportive pat on the back. There are also unsafe situations when an adult or other child touches an inappropriate place or makes someone feel uncomfortable.
2. Monitor Online Activity
Many sexual predators have gone digital in the 21st century. They are using tools like the internet and social media to communicate and lure their victims.
This is why it is so important for you to monitor your child’s online activity. You should want to know more about their social media accounts and who they are talking to. You also need to regulate their activity and what websites they are visiting.
You can control their online activity by limiting home use to common areas. Also, talk to them about sharing photos and what imagery invites sexual predators to target a child.
3. Stay in Groups
You should advise your child to avoid situations where they are alone. There are not many instances during a typical school day where a student is left alone. This statement includes fellow students, teachers, school employees, and more.
For the most part, your child is in a large group of 20 or more students. However, they should keep their guard up in the event that they are isolated.
You can recommend to them that they travel in pairs. They should ask a friend to accompany them if they feel uncomfortable.
4. Keep Communication Lines Open
Your child should feel comfortable telling you about inappropriate situations. You should always serve as a calm and reassuring outlet for your child.
They need to know that you believe them. Your child should consider your ear to be a safe space to discuss their fears and anxieties. Only this way, can you prevent sexual harassment or abuse from happening.
5. Confidentiality
Privacy is a great weapon to fight sexual predators. You should restrict access to your child’s information and photos.
You may believe this statement only pertains to your child’s social media accounts. However, your school asks for permission to use your child’s photo for marketing and other reasons. The best strategy is to keep a low profile so predators cannot identify your child as a target.
A Recap of Keeping Kids Safe from Predators
Your number one job as a parent is to keep your child safe. While you may not always be physically present, you certainly do not want to be absent.
Make sure you talk to your child frequently about the risks posed by sexual predators. If you enjoyed this article about keeping kids safe, check out our blog for more great content.
