Let’s protect our children…from them!

We have recently been shocked to discover the damage done and the horrible extent to which paedophiles have been able to operate in our small community for so long without being noticed. The extent to which this has spread dictates the urgency of stepping up the measures to stop it spreading further. It is a responsibility of everyone to stand up against the spread of this heinous crime in our society.

Thus I would like to share here some information I gathered regarding how to recognize paedophiles and what we, as parents, can do to protect our children against them!

How do paedophiles look like?

•Paedophiles may seem perfectly respectable and 'nice'. They are extremely cunning and clever at worming their way into your confidence so that you trust them alone with your children.

•Paedophiles do not necessarily look dirty, weird or creepy or act suspiciously - they often behave like everyone else and look 'normal'.

•Paedophiles come from all classes, professions, racial and religious backgrounds.

•The majority of paedophiles are men, though some women paedophiles too.

How do they operate?

•They are good at making friends with children. They offer to teach them games, sports or how to play a musical instrument. They take them on outings, give them gifts, bribes, toys & money or treats and trick children into trusting them, before abusing them.

•They often tell children that their relationship must be a secret

•They often target families where mothers might be especially grateful for help with looking after the children, such as families where mother and father are divorced, and where there are often no one except the mother to look after the children.

•They may make children feel chosen or special - children who feel they don't have enough love and attention at home may be especially vulnerable, such as families where mother and father are divorced, or where there many children in the family.

•They may 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

•Paedophiles find victims by hanging around places children are likely to go, such as, arcades, school premises, parks, playgrounds and swimming areas.

•Be suspicious if someone is more interested in your children than in you, someone who always wants to babysit, take your children on outings -someone who wants to get your children alone.

What can we do?

•Check on anyone who is left in charge of your children or wants to spend time alone with them. Talk to other people they have worked for.

•Encourage discussions about personal safety, getting lost, and bullying by playing 'What if?' games with children.

•Encourage open communication in your family. Make time to talk and listen to your children so they know they can tell you anything.

•Explain to children the difference between "safe" and "unsafe" secrets. For example, a secret about a surprise birthday party is OK, but no one should ever ask them to keep kisses or touches secret.

•Arrange to have a family codeword. Tell your child that if anyone ever tries to collect them for you (from school or anywere), the person will always know the codeword. "No Code, No Go".

•Keep computers (especially those with internet access) in sitting room or other ‘family areas’ instead of childrens’ own rooms etc.

•Most paedophiles are not strangers. Tell children that if anyone, even someone they know, touches them in a confusing or frightening way they should tell you.

•Tell children that if someone you don't know speaks to you, pretend you haven't heard and walk quickly away.

•Tell children to never take sweets, presents, or lifts from people you don't know.

•Tell children that if something bad does happen to you, even if you have broken a rule, you should tell me (mother/father) about it and I will help sort things out.


Let us all take this issue extremely seriously and start taking action to keeping our children safe!

(Information gathered from:
http://www.kidscape.org.uk/
http://www.parentscentre.gov.uk/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/parenting/your_kids/safety_stranger.shtml
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pedophilia)