top 10 ways to keep our children safer

1. Talk about it. Develop trust with your children so that they are more likely to tell you if abuse happens, and discuss with them what they can do to stay safer. Tell them that there’s no way to know if people online are who they say they are.

2. Learn the facts and understand the risks. There is danger from strangers, but most children are assaulted by people they know, who can also use technology to groom children for assault.

3. Minimize opportunity. Limit children’s online time and keep the computer in an open area of the house. Don’t give your trust easily to people who talk to your children.

4. Consider a computer contract. You and your child can write one together.

5. Make sure you have Internet protections. Children who are on social networking sites should have controls on their page so that only approved people can access it. All families should have filtering and antivirus software to block inappropriate e-mails and websites.

6. Don’t blame the Internet. It can be scary for adults who don’t feel tech-savvy. But like every form of communication, it has risks and benefits.

7. Stay alert. Know what your children are doing, who they’re talking to, and if they are spending an unusual amount of time online.

8. Act on suspicions. Believe your child and report abuse as soon as possible.

9. Make a plan for what to do if you discover abuse. You can call the YWCA hotline 24 hours a day at 360-695-0501. Law enforcement is very
committed to prosecuting child sexual assault cases. Assure your child that the abuse is not his or her fault.

10. Get involved. Call the YWCA at 360-696-0167 to find out about volunteering, or click here.