Protecting Children From Dangerous Situations

• Be aware of who spends time with your child. Unwanted touch may come from someone you like and trust. Get to know the adults and older children who are close to your child.
• Check references, talk with other parents, and trust your feelings when choosing babysitters and daycare providers.
• Refuse to leave your child in the company of anyone you do not trust. Pay attention to what your child says and does around people, especially if he or she talks about feeling uncomfortable or unsafe.
• Make sure your child can identify signs of trouble before it happens.
• Set up a password for you and your child to use as a secret clue. If it is safe for your child to go with someone, tell that person the password. Tell your child to ask for the password before he or she agrees to ride with someone. Instruct your child not to go with anyone who does not know the password.
• Know where your child is at all times. If you allow him or her to go some places in public ask them to stay with a buddy.
• Teach your child about internet safety. Children should never give out information about themselves. Tell your child to tell you right away if someone he or she meets online wants to see them in person.