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Protect-A-Child-Today!
Child Safety Guide
Protecting Preschoolers
Preschool children are so naïve, powerless and vulnerable that
they should be under the care and supervision of a responsible adult
at all times. Do not expect preschool children to know what to do
to avoid becoming the victim of an adult or older child.
What
to teach preschool children:
- To
identify themselves - a verbal child should know his full name
and address, including city and state (and have child carry a
concealed I.D. card)
- To
use safe telephone behavior - a verbal child should know her home
number, including area code, and how to dial "911" or
"0" for emergencies (post your work phone and other
contact information and leave it in the same place)
- To
know what parts of his or her bodies are private (those covered
by a bathing suit), and that only a parent or parent-designated
caregiver has permission to touch them in private places
- To
use the accurate term for private body parts - introduce words
like "penis" and "vagina" at the same time
you teach "nose" and "toes" (if you are too
embarrassed to use exact clinical words, find a child's educational
book that will help overcome your resistance)
- To
know that her body belongs to her, that his body belongs to him,
and that it's okay to refuse anyone's touches, tickles, hugs and
kisses (including unwelcome affection and attention from close
family members)
- To
understand they have the right to say "NO" to any adult
or older child who touches them or makes a request that makes
them feel uncomfortable (children taught to always be polite and
respectful to their elders are easy targets for abuse)
- To
tell a parent or trusted adult (e.g., relative, teacher, family
friend) if anyone touches her in a way that makes her uncomfortable,
or asks her to keep a secret
- To
always ask parents first before going anywhere or accepting a
gift when neither parent is present (even if they know the person
or gift-giver!)
- To
ask certain types of strangers for help when lost or frightened,
e.g., a mother with children, a person behind a counter in a store,
a police officer in uniform, a person with a neighborhood watch
program window sticker
Safety
Guide for Elementary Kids |
Safety Guide for
Middle & High School Kids | Additional
Safety Tips | Articles
| Ask the Director
| Recommended Books
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