4 Simple But Effective Tips For Parents To Check Child Predators

When it comes to sexual manipulation and grooming of would-be-preys, some child predators have become so skillful, it has become an art.

They have used their grooming skills on several preys and it has worked very often and so it has developed into a type of adventure for them but experts say that in addition to recognising the traits of a potential child predator,  young girls and parents can stay a step ahead of the predators using a few tips.

Even if someone’s intention is not harmful, experts advise that it is important to address and correct inappropriate behaviour so that children could understand what to expect from people in a position of authority.

READ ALSO: Experts Suggest 5 Ways Girls And Parents Can Identify Potential Predators

“We’ve heard from numerous parents who weren’t sure what to do because they couldn’t prove the person’s intentions, but knew the behaviour was not appropriate for their position.

The answer is simple – say something because you know it’s not right and it can enable abuse;

it’s not our job to prove someone has ill intentions but to prioritise child safety,”

experts at themamabeareffect.org, a non-profit in the United States, said.

They wrote:

With the majority of sexual abuse occurring in situations where the perpetrator is in a 1:1 situation with a child, and much of that abuse occurring within the home of the child or perpetrator, it is important to identify situations where children are isolated with older children or adults.

Promoting an open-door policy at home, during playdates or family gatherings, checking in on occasion; and if someone is spending time alone with a child, checking in with them at a quiet moment to ask if they were treated appropriately and that people followed body safety rules.

Even if children go to school, attend childcare, or take part in sports, tutoring or have medical appointments, there are steps these facilities should be taking to prioritise child safety.

Asking about such policies and procedures is important, as many organisations may not be doing all that they can to reduce the risk of abuse.”

Also, Roth offered the following tips to protect children from paedophiles and rapists.

1.Open communication

Talk to your children about inappropriate behaviour, touching, sexual abuse, physical limits, not keeping secrets and how to use their voice. Make sure each family member knows what healthy sexual development in children is and what might be of concern.

Teach children the proper names for body parts and what to do if someone tries to touch them in a sexual way. Make sure young children know that no one has the right to touch their private parts (unless for medical reasons) and that they should not touch anyone else’s private parts. If your child ever experiences attempted or perpetrated child abuse, using a safe word can help them communicate with you.

2. Be a visible parent

How involved are you in your child’s daily life and activities? Are you present or is another person doing you “favours” and helping out with your child’s schedule and activities – especially if it involves a lot of alone time with another person? This is a major deterrent for a child molester because the more visible and present the parent is in the child’s life, the harder the target becomes.

3. Set clear boundaries

Set clear family guidelines for personal privacy and behaviour and discuss them with members of your family and model respecting guidelines. Discuss these guidelines with any other adults who spend time around or supervise the children. For example, if a child does not want to hug or kiss someone hello or goodbye, then he or she can shake hands instead.

4. Trust your gut

The people closest to you should be the people that you can trust the most. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. But being a smart and present parent, you will notice the red flags that are present when someone is “grooming” a child for their own disgusting purposes. If you have any red flags – if your gut is telling you someone is not right – do not allow any one-on-one time with that individual and your child.