Memphis children and teens are back in school, and one of the many things parents need to think about is safety at school, home and online.
Kris Crim, Memphis Child Advocacy director of operations, recommends five ways adults can implement safe practices.
Set boundaries to protect your child and share them with others.
Setting boundaries includes saying things like, “it looks like Maya isn’t enjoying being tickled right now, let’s play something different,” or “We tell our kids it’s okay not to hug or kiss folks if they don’t want to.” Abusers are deterred when they learn that you have regular conversation with your children about boundaries. Abusers are deterred from seeking access to children in settings where employees and volunteers have been trained and there is clear child safety policy.
Minimize opportunity for offenders to have access to your child.
Predators seek access to kids by grooming, building trust, and getting time with them alone. Kids are at higher risk during unsupervised one-to-one interactions. Be sure there is enforced policy in settings where kids spend time. Ask organizations to see their child safety policy. Monitor your child’s internet and phone use.
Have regular conversations with your child or teen about sexual boundaries and safety.
You can start with younger kids by explaining proper names of body parts and talking about comfortable and uncomfortable touch. Visit memphiscac.org/prevention for information on talking to your child. Be sure to talk with your kids about protecting themselves online. Let them know you’ll be checking their devices.
React responsibly when you suspect or discover abuse.
Protecting children from abuse is an adult responsibility. If a child tells you that something happened, believe them. Children rarely make false allegations of sexual abuse. In Tennessee, all adults are mandated by law to report reasonable suspicions of child abuse or neglect. To make a confidential report of suspected child abuse, call the TN Child Abuse Hotline at 1-877-237-0004.
Educate yourself.
Memphis Child Advocacy Center’s Stewards of Children training prepares parents, adults who work with kids, and organizations to keep kids safe. Stewards of Children teaches simple actions that keep kids safe. Parents learn how to talk to their children about sexual boundaries. Organizations improve policies that keep kids safe. Ask yourself whether you’re willing to spend just 2 ½ hours to protect your child. Over 30,000 Shelby County adults have been trained.
To schedule Stewards of Children training for yourself or your organization, contact Kris Crim at 901-888-4363 or prevention@MemphisCAC.org. Call 1-877-237-0004 to make a confidential report of suspected child abuse.