Give your home/organisation/school/sports club/day care/… a prevention boost.
For Parents
1. Talk to your kids about body boundaries.
Let them know that no one (child, adult, family member, etc.) has the right to touch or look at their body without their permission.
2. Teach proper names of their private or special parts.
No, the kids are never too young to learn these things. And if God forbid something goes wrong this helps.
Tip: You can reference these as parts covered by a bathing suit
3. Talk to kids at an early age that they shouldn’t see images of someone’s private or special parts (however you termed this). Not by screen, smartphone, etc. And no one should ever take pictures of their parts also.
Tip: “Good Pictures, Bad Pictures” books (Teens & Junior version)
4. Keep communication open and let them know there’s never any shame, no matter what.
If anything ever happens (God Forbid), if they know they shouldn’t be ashamed and it’s not their fault, that can help them tell you.
5. Please, DON’T PUNISH your child if they see porn or tell you they have seen porn.
That only helps build shame, fear, feelings of negative self-image and blocks communication.
Instead, listen to them and share your own experiences or troubles, if you had, in an age appropriate way.
Even young kids can experience the addictive nature of porn. Be a supportive and safe person your kid can talk to.
Use everything as a teachable moment/opportunity to build your bond and help empower and protect them.
You can do so much more than you think. The kids need you.
For Youth-serving Organisations
1. Start your screening process even before the first interview.
Already in the vacancy announcement you can mention your organisation takes child abuse and prevention seriously.
It’s amazing how many youth-serving organisations have vacancy posts that say nothing about child safety or safeguarding.
2. Ask for at least 2 reference checks, and call.
Many organisations are maxed-out and glad just to have enough volunteers or staff to the run activities. But take time to check references, past experiences and conduct a good interview.
Use news or media reports to open the topic and learn about the knowledge, personal opinions and any past professional incidents/experience.
This helps give better insight into a candidate.
3. Have good protocols re. interactions between staff and volunteers and the children / youth.
On paper and signed so expectations are clear for all. Add a training, like “Prevent It” and you’re on you’re way!
“Where it breaks down somewhat is there may be strict screening, but once someone’s through the gateway there can be a bit of a free-fall.”
Senior Partner, GWSLLP
4. Create a Culture of Child Protection.
It goes without saying but everything from staff and volunteers to facilities can and should reflect this culture.
Simple practicals, like doors/rooms having windows, whether or not parents can stay, if staff and volunteers have prevention training to help with signals and actions if a child may be going through something at home, if staff know about “teachable moments” and how to use them to help empower kids..
What prevention initiatives is your organisation implementing?
