Paedophiles sometimes try to win over parents to get close their children - single parents may be more vulnerable. They are often attracted to careers or places that let them be close to children, such as youth groups, schools, playgrounds and parks. They often spend time 'grooming' children with gifts or special attention - trying to build trust - before abuse takes place. They often tell children their relationship must be a secret, and may make children feel chosen or special - children who feel they don't have enough love and attention at home may be especially vulnerable. They can use their position to threaten a child - for example, a sports coach who won't let a child stay on the team if they tell.
Protecting Your Child
There are a number of things you can do to help ensure your child is as safe as possible:
Teach sex education as early as possible. Explaining about private parts of the body and appropriate sexual behaviour is important. Many children get confused when they don't know what's normal.
Encourage open communication in your family. Make time to talk and listen to your children so they know they can tell you anything.
Be wary of adults who become very interested in your children. Watch out for adults who want to spend a lot of time with your kids, give them gifts or take them out alone.
Teach children they have an absolute right to say no to any adult who upsets or scares them. Let children know their bodies belong to them.
Talk about not keeping secrets. Let your kids know they can tell you anything, even if someone has made them promise they won't tell or has pressured them into keeping a secret.
Safety Online
It's important to have some family rules about using websites and email, and to warn your children about possible risks. These include accidently viewing pornography, or being targeted by strangers online.
You may want to Keep the computer in a family area rather than in a bedroom. Take an interest in what your child's looking at on the internet, and stress that your child should never give out personal details such as address, telephone number or the name of their school.
What to do if you think a child's being abused
If you have any concerns about the safety of a child, it's better to trust your instincts and take action to make sure any abuse is stopped.
Call the NSPCC child protection helpline on 0808 800 5000 or textphone 0800 056 0566 to discuss your concerns
Call the police - if a child's in danger contact them immediately
Talk to your GP, health visitor or social services for advice on what to do next.
Source: bbb.co.uk/parenting
