Protecting children’s safety from predators is a critical responsibility for parents, caregivers, educators, and communities. Here are some general guidelines and tips to help keep children safe:

1. Open Communication:
   • Foster an open and honest relationship with your child. Encourage them to talk to you about their feelings, experiences, and concerns.
   • Teach them the importance of expressing discomfort or unease about any person or situation.
2. Education and Awareness:
   • Educate your child about appropriate and inappropriate behaviors. Teach them about personal boundaries and the concept of private body parts.
   • Discuss the importance of consent and that it’s okay to say “no” to any form of touch that makes them uncomfortable.
3. Online Safety:
   • Monitor your child’s online activities and set age-appropriate restrictions on internet use.
   • Educate them about the risks of sharing personal information online and the importance of not communicating with strangers.
4. Teach Personal Safety:
   • Instruct your child on basic personal safety rules, such as not accepting gifts or rides from strangers and knowing their full name, address, and phone number.
   • Develop a plan for what to do if they feel unsafe, including who to contact and where to seek help.
5. Know Their Friends and Activities:
   • Be involved in your child’s social life. Get to know their friends and their friends’ parents.
   • Be aware of your child’s extracurricular activities and the adults supervising them.
6. Establish Boundaries:
   • Teach your child that it’s okay to say “no” to any form of touch that makes them uncomfortable, even if it’s from someone they know.
   • Help them understand that their body is their own and that they can set boundaries.
7. Screen Caregivers and Supervisors:
   • Be cautious about who you entrust with your child’s care. Screen caregivers, teachers, and anyone with access to your child regularly.
   • Choose childcare providers and schools with a commitment to child safety.
8. Recognize Signs of Abuse:
   • Be vigilant for any signs of abuse, such as changes in behavior, withdrawal, fear of certain individuals, or unexplained physical injuries.
   • Encourage open communication so that your child feels comfortable reporting anything that makes them uncomfortable.
9. Report Suspected Abuse:
   • If you suspect any form of abuse, report it to the appropriate authorities immediately. In many places, child protective services or law enforcement can help.

Remember that child safety is a shared responsibility, and it’s crucial for parents, caregivers, educators, and communities to work together to create a safe environment for children. Additionally, laws and resources related to child safety may vary by location, so it’s essential to be aware of and follow local guidelines and regulations.

North Carolina’s Attorney General Josh Stein championed the SAFE Child Act

Child Safe Search Engines

Fact Monster
Kidtopia
Kidsearch
Safe Search Kids and many others.