Tips For Lure-Proofing

1. Avoid scare tactics. Explain that most adults are dedicated to the protection and welfare of children.

2. Teach children basic sex education. Molesters agree that a child’s innocent curiosity makes him/her easy prey.

3. Establish that sexual advances from adults are illegal. This gives children the confidence to assert themselves with adults who seek to abuse them.

4. Emphasize that children have a basic right to body privacy and ownership.

5. Instill children with a sense of self-worth and dignity at every opportunity.

6. Develop strong communication skills with your children. Let them know they can tell you anything—and you will believe them.

7. Make a commitment to spend more time with your children so they are not easily seduced by attention and affection.

8. Stress that there should be no secrets from you, especially those involving another adult.

9. Encourage children to assess situations critically and to follow their instincts.

10. Get to know your child’s friends and their parents.

11. Encourage involvement in extracurricular activities. Children with many interests are less likely to become involved with drugs.

12. Be conscious of your own drug/alcohol use. Stress the natural highs in life.

13. Above all, listen to your instincts. If a situation or person makes you uncomfortable, act on your instincts.

14. Encourage children to communicate abuse to a trusted adult.