Back to school is the perfect time to review safety strategies with kids. One that’s simple and effective is asking your child or teen to come up with a list of trusted adults to add to their Safe Network.
Having a Safe Network is a concept we highlight in our 5 Body Safety Tips for Kids guide. That’s something you’ll want to print out and stick on your fridge (see below). In this episode, I walk through the details of helping kids choose who to put in their Safe Network and why it’s important to go to a variety of different sources to build your team.
Build a Safe Network
It’s easy to fall into the mindset of thinking “Not My Kid.” But the truth is everyone needs help along the way. Often kids are hesitant to disclose embarrassing information to a parent even when they have a good relationship. Other times kids need help supporting a close friend in crisis. Everyone needs a team.
In this episode:
- Making the cut. Identify people who genuinely care about you and would be willing to help in a pinch.
- You don’t have to go it alone. Kids need constant reminders that it’s okay to ask for help.
- Beyond immediate family. Who would provide the best help for a variety of different scenarios?
- Strength in numbers. Sadly, it can take multiple attempts for kids to be heard and believed when they need help.
Episode challenge
Take time within the next 24 hrs to help your child or teen (college kids too) identify five trusted adults for their Safe Network. Follow up by making sure they know how to approach them at a moment’s notice. It’s also good practice to inform friends and family who are part of your child’s Safe Network.
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
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Links/Resources
Ep. #2-16, Body Safety: How to Empower Kids & Teens
Ep. #2-42, How to Teach Kids Body Safety from an Early Age with Holly-ann Martin, Safe4Kids
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.