* Know everything you can about your children’s activities and participate with them...

* Don’t allow them to play in isolated areas...

* Teach children about strangers, and to be aware of unusual behavior with people they know  Teach them to listen to their feelings and that it is okay to say NO if any adults (including family members) ask them to do something that makes them feel uncomfortable...

* Teach children how to safely answer the phone. If alone, state that the adult is unavailable to come to the phone...

* Children should always keep a safe distance from strangers, never take anything from them or give them directions...

* Teach children to use the buddy system when walking home from activities, etc. The age-old rule, "There is safety in numbers," is a primary safety precaution. Develop a plan stressing where to meet child if he/she is lost. DO NOT meet in a parking lot. Other places on the inside are much better...

* Teach children to say NO to anyone attempting to touch them on the part(s) of their body covered by a swimming suit...

* Teach children to say NO, to GET AWAY, and to TELL SOMEONE if a person bothers them, especially an adult...

* Teach children about appropriate and inappropriate secrets and that some secrets have to be told if children are to be kept safe...

* Establish rules to follow when the child is on the internet. Check what addresses the child is viewing and DON’T take for granted he/she would not look. Get a filtered service for your home. Place the computer in and open area of the home...

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