Protect Your Child

• Approach the conversation with a calm, confident attitude.
• Keep your tone neutral, educational, and encouraging to avoid scaring your child.
• Let them know you are always there to protect them.
• Explain that the parts of their body covered by a bathing suit are private, and no one should look at or touch them there.
• Give your child time to process and ask questions.
• Help them identify five safe people they can talk to if they ever feel uncomfortable.
• Make safety an ongoing dialogue, not just a one-time talk.

It’s important not to interrogate children. Instead, ask simple, open-ended questions in a calm manner, such as:

• “Has anyone ever made you feel uncomfortable or scared?”
• “Has anyone ever asked you to keep a secret?”

Protecting children also means knowing the policies of the organizations they are part of:

• Confirm that background checks are completed for all employees and volunteers.
• Check that policies prohibit one-on-one situations between adults and children.
• Ensure staff and volunteers receive annual training on child safety and mandatory reporting.
• Ask your child whether these policies are being followed when you are not present.

• Pay attention to your child’s behavior.
• If they are reluctant to go somewhere or be with someone, ask why.
• Notice how your child behaves before and after spending time with an adult.
• Monitor their online activity.
• Always trust your instincts and ask questions.

If a child reveals something concerning:

• Believe your child. Reassure them they did the right thing by telling you.
• Remind them it is not their fault.
• Immediately report your concerns to CPS 1-800-252-5400 or local law enforcement.