![[3-32] 5 Tips to Ensure A Safer Sleepover Experience](https://i0.wp.com/parentsaware.info/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/1400x-788-safer-sleepover-feature.jpg?resize=840%2C420&ssl=1)
Did you grow up going to sleepovers? Do you have fond memories? Best friends, hanging out all night? Are you eager to carry on the tradition? Or would you rather it disappear altogether? What about the risks? Are they greater in the digital age? Or is there any way to ensure a safer sleepover experience?
Sleepovers were a huge part of my childhood. Almost every weekend, my best friend and I would get together, trek to the candy store, play games, plunk down in front of our favorite shows, and giggle into the wee hours of the night. I have nothing but great memories from these events. But when it came to my own kids, my hubby and I decided we were not going to carry on the tradition—at least, not in the same old way.
A safer sleepover experience
Sleepovers have always come with some degree of risk. But (to our parents at least) that risk seemed far removed from the realm of possibility. Today, with smartphones, cameras, social media, online video chats, and instant access to online pornography, the risk is ever-present. Is it time to give up old notions of the sleepover for something more suitable for the digital age?
In this episode:
- Set sleepover rules early. Decide as parents. Tell your kids. Explain why.
- Prioritze digital safety. Make your expectations clear with other parents.
- Body safety basics. As always, empower kids with protective information.
- Provide an exit strategy. Teach kids how to leave an uncomfortable situation.
- Amazing alternatives. What to do when the answer is no sleepovers.
Episode challenge
Plan a social, or get together for your kids, with your kids. Decide together who they will invite. Be intentional with the itinerary. For example, we intend to play board games, have a smash bros tournament, eat pizza, etc. Be as specific as possible (other parents will be so relieved, trust me!). Consider how you’ll handle smartphones (basket collection is popular). Talk to parents in advance. Start with families you know will lend support. Be bold. Be a trendsetter.
Download our FREE guide
Teaching children the basics of body safety can help them identify risky situations and safeguard them from sexual exploitation. Start this valuable conversation today with our 5 Body Safety Tips for Kids guide. Download your FREE printable here. http://bit.ly/Body-Safety-Tips
Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed the show, please leave a positive review or tell a friend!
Links/Resources
NEW COURSE – Get Off the Fence: Confidently Talk to Your Child or Teen About Pornography
Ep. #2-42, How to Teach Kids Body Safety from an Early Age with Holly-ann Martin, Safe4Kids
Ep #3-25 6 Easy Ways to Talk About the Threat of Pornography with Other Parents
FORTIFY – Is your teen struggling with pornography? Click here to check out Fortify – FREE for youth!
BARK – Want help monitoring your kids’ apps and social media? Click here for a FREE 30-day trial of the Bark App or download it at the app store and use our promo code: MEDIASAVVY
COVENANT EYES – Need great filtering software for your internet and devices? Click here to check out Covenant Eyes.
*Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means, at no additional cost to you, Parents Aware/Media Savvy Moms receives a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Thanks for helping to support us in our mission to protect families from the harms of pornography.
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