CHILD ABUSE
IS NEVER
THE CHILDS FAULT
Child abuse and neglect consists of an act of commission
or omission that endangers or impairs a child's physical
or emotional health and development.

Information for Parents and Carers

KEEPING YOUR CHILDREN SAFE

Teach your children about 'Stranger Danger' and the constant need to always be aware of unusual or strange behaviour in people they know.

Always monitor the activities of your child or children and try to participate with them whenever possible.
Be informed as much as possible about your children, their friends and their activities.
Teach your children to refuse such things as money, gifts, rides etc from strangers.
Do your children have any new possessions and you don't know where they came from?
Instruct your children to never go anywhere without first checking with you. Children should always inform parents where they are going, when they are going, when they will get there, who they will be going with, and when they will be back home.
Teach your children that it is okay to say NO if any adults (including family members) ask them to do something they know is wrong or makes them feel uncomfortable.
Instruct your children to always use the buddy system when walking home from school, after school or any sports functions they attend.
Your children should know how to safely answer the phone when they are home alone. Instruct your children to tell the caller the adult in the home can't presently come to the phone and could they call back later.
Instruct your children to always maintain a safe distance from any strangers and to never give strangers directions for help. Adults should only get help they need from other adults.
Teach you children to refuse any attempts and to say NO to any person attempting to touch them on their private part(s). They should inform you straight away.

Never allow your children to play alone in a secluded or isolated area.

Never place your children’s names on the outside of their possessions or school clothing.
Instruct your children on the difference between appropriate and inappropriate secrets and behaviour.
Teach your children that if children and parents are to be kept safe, some secrets have to be told .
Teach your children an emergency plan in case they happen to get lost. Never meet your child in the carpark of a shopping centre, always meet inside a shop or the shopping centre. Your children should know their address as well as their phone number and area code.
Establish firm rules your children must follow when using the Internet.
Spend time on the Internet with your children and monitor or supervise their on-line activities.