6 personal safety rules to teach your child

Talking to children about safe and unsafe touching is essential — especially at a young age. These conversations help protect your child and affirm their God-given dignity.

1. Talk about personal safety rules

Let your child know: “You are the boss of your body. You can say, ‘NO!’ if you don’t want to kiss or hug someone.” Help them understand personal boundaries and that they decide who is allowed in their space. No one has the right to cross those boundaries or touch them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable, afraid or unsafe. If that ever happens, they should walk away and tell a trusted adult.

2. Private parts

Explain to your child that their whole body is private – not just the parts covered by a bathing suit. Teach your child the proper names for body parts to help them clearly communicate if something is wrong.

3. Safe touch

Help your child understand the difference between safe and unsafe touches. Safe touches include a hug from a parent or grandparent, a shoulder pat from a coach, or a high-five from a friend. Unsafe touches can feel uncomfortable, scary or confusing.  Let your child know they can say “no” to any unwanted touch, even from someone they know well. Explain that “special safe adults” like doctors or nurses may need to examine private body parts to keep them healthy – but only with a parent or guardian present.

4. Build a safety circle

Help your child identify up to five trusted adults they can go to with anything that makes them feel sad, scared, or uncomfortable. You might say: “If you ever feel worried, scared, or unsure, talk to someone in your Safety Circle and tell them how you’re feeling and why.”

5. Secrets

Let your child know that no one should ever ask them to keep secrets that make them feel bad, unsafe or uncomfortable — especially if the secret involves private parts. Encourage them to check in with a trusted adult if something doesn’t feel right. Reassure them that it’s always okay to ask questions or talk about any kind of touch.

6. Practice scenarios

Role-play different situations to help your child practice what to do. These simple exercises can build confidence and reinforce the safety rules.

To learn more, visit the Empowering God’s Children program website, watch videos featuring Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin and Karen Clark, Executive Director for the Protection of the Faithful, or go to www.rcan.org/protection-of-the-faithful.

Every April, Catholic parishes and schools across the United States participate in National Child Abuse Prevention Month.  The Catholic Church is committed to the safety of children. Click here for a video from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops highlighting its efforts against child abuse.