Child Abuse Prevention
Education on boundaries and personal body safety is the most effective child abuse prevention.
As a parent, guardian, caregiver, or trusted adult, you are their first line of defense!
Talk about it poster - English
Talk about it poster - Spanish
Practice open and straightforward communication with your children, and practice often!
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Speak often and openly about boundaries and body safety. Open, age-appropriate communication with children is always important, but is especially important for topics that are difficult or uncomfortable to talk about. Open communication builds trust and reduces the stigma around sexual health and boundaries.
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Teach children the difference between appropriate and inappropriate physical touch. This includes teaching children to check in with their bodies, recognize feelings of fear and discomfort, and to tell a trusted adult if they ever feel uncomfortable or violated.
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Use and teach children the correct names for their body parts. Just as a child knows what their arm, nose, and feet are, they should know the proper names of their genitals.
- Set clear guidelines and boundaries for private activities like dressing, bathing, and cleaning. These guidelines should be repeatedly reinforced by trusted adults so children can clearly understand what is safe and appropriate, and what is not.
- Demonstrate how to respect boundaries by listening to the words "No" or "Stop". Regardless of who or why, show your child that the words "no" and "stop" should always be listened to and respected. Teach your children to use these words if they feel uncomfortable, scared, or violated.
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Explain how and why secrets are dangerous. A secret makes you hide and is usually connected to uncomfortable, sad, or scared feelings. Surprises are fun, exciting, and make us feel good!
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Monitor your children's technology. Children can be groomed over the Internet, and can hide their activity on certain websites. While it is important to monitor children, please consider that behavioral restrictions tend to increase a child's curiosity.
Information credited to
Darkness to Light (D2L)
Begin the conversation about body safety and personal boundaries with your child today.
Conversation guides credited to Darkness to Light (D2L)
