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Protecting Your Child with
Caution and Communication
While
most of us recognize
the fact that there could be sexual predators living in their own
neighborhoods, many forget that sexual predators are willing to travel
to meet
their victims. Knowing about the dangers in our own towns is not
enough. Take a
few extra minutes to learn about the dangers of sexual predators and
online
strangers. That small block of time could make a huge difference when
it comes
to protecting yourself and your family.
Unfortunately, many parents
adopt an attitude consistent with the “that will never happen to me”
line of
thought. This unwillingness to accept a growing problem makes you an
open
target for predators. The first step you need to take in order to
combat this
dangerous situation is to accept the fact that sexual predators exist
and could
easily prey upon you or your children.
Talk to your children about
safety, both online and offline. Be sure they understand why it is
important to
keep personal information private at all times. Sexual predators and
online
strangers wait patiently for uneducated children to mess up and give
out their
personal details, making it easier for them to become victims. While
making
these points clear to your child may be scary, not sharing these ideas
could be
detrimental.
Make sure that you, as a
parent, are using the Internet safely as well. The same safety rules
that apply
to your children should apply to you, especially if you are using the
Internet
for dating or networking purposes. When you do decide to meet a person
from the
Internet, make sure you meet in a very public setting, such as a
restaurant.
Places like concerts, parking lots, and stores are not public enough,
as it’s
easy for bystanders to ignore uncomfortable situations. Restaurant
settings or
places known to have security guards are better for first meetings.
Even after
meeting for the first time, don’t assume you are safe for a second
meeting.
Check your personal boundaries and make sure you are comfortable enough
to meet
this person a second time.
Communicate with neighbors
and find a way to band together in order to protect all of your
children. Make
sure everyone is aware of the existence of sexual predators in the area
and set
guidelines for communicating strange incidents to the police and other
parents.
Sexual predators may stalk your home while you are out, waiting for
your
return. Community watch groups are a great way to make sure your home
is
protected while you are away, as neighbors might notice strange cars or
people
in the area and call police.
Another great resource is
the use of a code word or signal for children to give when they are out
in the
neighborhood. If a child feels like he or she is in danger, he can make
a
signal or say a code word that would let nearby neighbors know that he
is
uncomfortable or in a difficult situation. Of course, your child should
know to
keep this information secret along with the rest of their personal
information. While national television shows and local task forces are making great strides in getting sexual predators off the streets, they can not be in all places at all times. Safety in the home is your first line of defense and should be taken seriously at all times. If you’re unsure about the steps you should take to protect your children, contact your local authorities for references and resources. If you
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