When Do I Start Teaching My Child About Personal Safety?

Knowing My Four Rules For Safety

1. I always CHECK FIRST with my parents, guardians, or other trusted adults before going anywhere, doing anything, helping anyone, accepting anything, getting into a vehicle, or leaving with anyone.
2. I TAKE A FRIEND with me when going places or playing outside.
3. I TELL someone NO if they try to touch me or do things in ways that make me feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused, because it's OK for me to stand up for myself.
4. I TELL my parents, guardians, or other trusted adults if anything happens to me.

Sometimes there are people who choose to trick or hurt others. There is no excuse; no one has the right to force, trick, or pressure people into doing things they don't want to do. So use these rules, and remember you are STRONG, are SMART, and have the right to be SAFE. Always

• CHECK FIRST
• TAKE A FRIEND
• TELL PEOPLE "NO" WHEN THEY TRY TO CAUSE YOU HARM
• TELL AN ADULT YOU TRUST IF ANYTHING HAPPENS

Lastly, parental and adult supervision is tantamount to a child's protection and safety. Children cannot be criticized or blamed for making the wrong safety choices if they are not old enough or skilled enough to make those choices. "The responsibility for a young child's safety rests squarely on the trusted adults in that child's life," stated McBride. "Parents and guardians need to do their due diligence and check out adults who have access to their children, and children are never too old for a parent's or trusted adult's supervision." The more involvement a parent takes in his or her child's life, the less likely it is that the child will seek that attention from a less savory and possibly dangerous source. There are no quick fixes or gimmicks that take the place of adult supervision and concern. It's up to all of us to ensure our children's safety and protection.

• ¹Guidelines for Programs to Reduce Child Victimization: A Resource for Communities When Choosing a Program to Teach Personal Safety to Children, National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, 1999, page 1.
• ²ibid., page 1.