CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER
OF TUSCOLA COUNTY 

Teach children accurate names of their private parts.

 

Avoid focusing exclusively on "stranger danger." Keep in mind that most children are abuse by someone they know and trust. 

 

Teach children about body safety and the difference between "okay" and "not-okay" touches.

 

Let children know they have the right to make decisions about their bodies. Empower them to say no when they do not want to be touched, even in non-sexual ways (politely refusing hugs), and to say no to touching.

 

Make sure children know adults and older children never need help with their private body parts (bathing or going to the bathroom). 

 

Teach children to take care of their own body parts (bathing & going to the bathroom), so they do not have to rely on adults or older children for help. 

 

Educate children about the difference between good secrets (surprise parties-which are okay because they are not kept secret for long) and bad secrets (supposed to keep secret forever-which are not okay. 

 

TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS! IF YOU FEEL UNEASY ABOUT LEAVING A CHILD WITH SOMEONE, DO NOT DO IT.