Daisy News
Gordon’s Gems and Guidance
Talking with children about safe and unsafe touch is an important conversation that should happen early and continue as children grow. You may notice that the term “stranger danger” is no longer used. Over the past decade, research has shown that most cases of inappropriate behavior involve someone a child already knows…such as a family member, neighbor, or trusted adult (including teachers, coaches, or youth leaders). In addition, the concept of stranger danger did not adequately address the preventive aspect of grooming or help children recognize and report concerning behavior.
One helpful resource for guiding these conversations is a program called The Protect Yourself Rules. It includes videos and online materials designed specifically for children and families and is divided by age group:
- Grades K–3: https://fightchildabuse.org/k-3-protect-yourself-rules/
- Grades 4–6: https://fightchildabuse.org/4-6-protect-yourself-rules/
These resources are also available through the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center:
https://barbarasinatrachildrenscenter.org/
https://barbarasinatrachildrenscenter.org/
The videos teach children simple, empowering safety skills in a calm, non-frightening way. Children learn that:
- Their body belongs to them, and they have the right to say no to unwanted or uncomfortable touch.
- Safe versus unsafe touch is explained using clear, age-appropriate language, including the idea that private body parts are private.
- Tricky or confusing situations can happen, even with people they know, and it is okay to trust their feelings.
- Secrets about touching are not okay, and children should always tell a trusted adult if something feels wrong.
- It is important to keep telling until someone listens and helps.
- They are never in trouble for speaking up, and what happens is never their fault.
I recommend reviewing the website and watching the videos yourself before viewing them with your child. Even for children in 4th grade, I suggest starting with the K–3 series, then reviewing the 4–6 videos and deciding which ones feel appropriate to share now and which you may want to wait on.
Please feel free to reach out if you would like to talk more about how to have these conversations with your child. I am always happy to help.
The Hockaday School
Within the private school community, The Hockaday School is an independent college-preparatory day school for girls from grades PK–12 located in Dallas, Texas. Students realize their limitless potential through challenging academic curricula, arts, athletics, and extracurricular programs so that they are inspired to lead lives of purpose and impact.
The Hockaday School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law in the administration of its educational, admissions, financial aid, athletic, and other policies and programs.
The Hockaday School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law in the administration of its educational, admissions, financial aid, athletic, and other policies and programs.