Military Veterans Against Child AbuseWhat would you do if a grown-up at the park asked you to help find their lost puppy?
What to teach: Grown-ups who need help ask other grown-ups, not kids. Say no, walk away, and tell your trusted adult right away.
Talk together
Safety Conversation Starters
Ask one question on a car ride or at dinner. Let your child answer first, praise good thinking, then share the simple answer. Keep it calm and positive. The goal is confidence, not fear.
What's the difference between a good surprise and a bad secret?
What to teach: A surprise, like a birthday present, is shared soon and makes people happy. A secret that makes you feel worried or confused should always be told to a trusted adult.
If a friend in an online game asked for your real name, school or town, what would you do?
What to teach: Never share personal information online. Stop chatting and show a parent.
Who are the trusted adults you could go to if something felt wrong?
What to teach: Name at least three together, such as a parent, a grandparent and a teacher, so your child always has someone to turn to.
What would you do if we got separated at a store?
What to teach: Stay inside, find a worker with a name tag or a mom with children, and say your name and your parent's phone number.
What would you do if someone you didn't know offered you a ride home from school?
What to teach: Never get in a car unless the plan came from your parent, or the person knows your family code word.
What should you do if someone touches you in a way that makes you uncomfortable?
What to teach: Your body belongs to you. Say "No!", get away, and tell a trusted adult, even if the person said to keep it a secret.
If someone grabbed your arm and tried to pull you away, what could you do?
What to teach: Yell "This is not my mom!" or "This is not my dad!", kick, pull away and run toward people.
What would you do if someone sent you a picture or message that made you feel weird?
What to teach: Don't reply or forward it. Show a parent. You will never be in trouble for telling.
What does using the buddy system mean?
What to teach: Go places with a friend, like the bathroom or the bus stop, and stay together.
What would you do if you were home alone and someone knocked on the door?
What to teach: Don't open the door or say you're alone. Stay quiet and call your parent.
If a friend told you a secret that someone was hurting them, what would you do?
What to teach: Tell a trusted adult. Helping a friend stay safe is being a good friend.