Many Parents worry that their children may suffer abuse when they are out of their sight - playing sport or participating in activities away from home.Remember, it is important to keep a sense of perspective about child abuse:
- Most adults will never hurt a child;
- Children should be allowed to become independent and learn to look after themselves - there is no need to wrap them up in cotton wool.
What Parents Can Do!
NO CODE - NO GO
Encourage discussions about personal safety, getting lost, and bullying by playing 'What if?' games with children.
Arrange to have a family code-word, tell your child that if anyone ever tries to collect them for you, the person will always know the code-word "NO CODE, NO GO!".
YELL - RUN - TELL
Practise the KIDSCAPE rule 'YELL, RUN, TELL' with children so they feel confident about using safety strategies.
GETTING HOME
Buy your children a travel card and/or phone card so that they can always call you or get home.
SECRETS - NO THE DIFFERENCE
Explain to your children the difference between "safe" secrets which are fun to keep and "unsafe" secrets which they are concerned or unhappy about. A secret about a surprise birthday party is fine, but no-one should ask them to keep quiet about secret touches.
REMEMBER
Keeping your child safe is the most important thing;
Breaking rules to keep safe is okay.
Administrator
