Teach your children about safety:

1. Recognize and accept that your child may face danger at times. Do not avoid or deny the problem. "Bad things can happen to good people."
2. Report and teach your children to report abuse, bullying, violence, sexual intimidation and rape to the proper authorities.    
3. Identify to your children people who they can trust to help with problems (relatives, neighbors, teachers, counselors, ministers, friends and parents).
4. LISTEN to your child when they complain of problems, (abuse, bullying, sexual harassment) no matter where the problem happened;  Home, school, church, social events, family or friends homes.
5. Do not focus on "Stranger Danger" a predator could be your neighbor or family member.
6. Teach your child to recognize behavior that "does not make sense or makes them feel uncomfortable". 
7. Start early and talk openly about sex. Emphasize the idea that children have the right to privacy of their own body. If they feel uncomfortable or that something is wrong, it probably is.
8. Let children know that "Good People" sometimes do "BAD THINGS" 
9. Teach your child assertiveness skills, to be independent and to trust their own feelings. It is OK to question authority; adults, teachers, etc. at times.
10. Encourage your child to be open and honest, communication is a part of keeping your children safe. Do not teach young children to keep secrets.
11. Talk in language appropriate for the age of the child. 
12. Be a good role model, discipline fairly and consistently without bullying.
13. Give children the opportunity to be responsible, to make choices and accept the consequences.
14. Teach your child the "Buddy System" there is safety in numbers.
15. Seek family counseling if family problems become explosive.
16. Stay informed about predators in your neighborhood. Visit the Florida Department of Law Enforcement website to look up and view predators in your area. http://www.fdle.state.fl.us