No. 1 - Strangers: Ask your children to draw a picture of a stranger. Chances are the person drawn is someone who doesn't shave, has scars, yellow teeth and is armed with a gun. The truth is that most people who prey on children behave quite the opposite, so kids do not see them as a threat. In the eyes of a child, a stranger who quickly strikes up a friendly conversation becomes someone that child knows. Teach your children that a stranger is anyone who they don't know.
No. 2 - The Pet Lure: Cute, cuddly pets such as puppies and kittens hold an especially powerful attraction for children. Predators may ask them to help look for a lost pet. If asked to look for a lost pet, your children need to ignore the request, get to safety quickly and report the incident to parents and police. Remind children that there is no lost puppy.
No. 3 - The Assistance Lure: Child predators often ask kids for directions or help carrying packages. Some pretend to be disabled and in need of a helping hand. Inform your children that, generally speaking, adults should ask other adults for help. Give your children permission to ignore requests for assistance.
No. 4 - The Affection Lure: Most children are abused by someone who they know and trust. Exploitation often begins with innocent behavior that escalates into abuse. Make sure your children know that their private parts are off limits to any adult. Let your children know that they can tell you anything and you will believe them. Stress that there should be no secrets from you, particularly those involving an adult.
No. 5 - The Authority Lure: Rightly so, children are taught to respect and obey adults. Pedophiles take advantage of this by either posing as someone in authority or using their position to lure a child. Give children permission to say no to authority figures when necessary. If confronted by law enforcement, youngsters should insist on a uniformed police officer in a marked car.
No. 6 - The Emergency Lure: By faking a crisis, predators trick children into going with them willingly. For example, "Come with me, your mother was in a car accident and has been taken to the hospital." Explain that emergencies are a fact of life. However, a child must never go with anyone unless an emergency has been verified. Note: Use of a code word is not recommended. Children are quick to tell their code word to friendly people or may forget to use it all together.
No. 7 - The Name Recognition Lure: Well-meaning parents often mark their children's clothing, backpacks and other belongings with their names. This can create a false sense of familiarity and trust if a predator uses it to get the attention of your child. Tell your child that children should never trust or go with someone simply because the individual knows their name. If name tags are necessary, place them where they are not easily seen.
No. 8 - The Ego Lure: Fame and fortune are powerful attractions for our children and are sometimes used to lure youngsters into abuse or abduction. This attraction is especially strong for middle schoolers. Tell your children that parents must chaperone all sports, modeling, singing or other talent pursuits.
No. 9 - The Fun & Games Lure: Contact games like wrestling and tickling may be used as an opportunity to exploit children. Since physical contact is normal during these activities; children are often unaware of this inappropriate contact. Tell your child to report any touching that makes them feel uncomfortable. Children should never allow anyone to handcuff, tie up or place them in isolation -- even during a game.
No. 10 - The Computer Lures: Pedophiles often visit Internet chat rooms and Web sites in search of lonely, rebellious or adventurous children. Many will approach with this alarming question: "How are your parents getting along?" Position computers in high-visibility areas of your home and look at the screen at regular intervals. Tell your children about "moments" in your home and reassure them that every parental relationship has their "moments."
