Post by cinnaroll32 on Sept 2, 2006 2:48:06 GMT -5
How can you tell if someone is a paedophile?
Unfortunately, it's often impossible to tell a paedophile just by looking. The old idea of a 'stranger in a dirty raincoat' bears no relation to the reality. Paedophiles can come from all walks of life and look no different from anybody else. They may be in positions of power and trust.
We do know that paedophiles:
sometimes try to win over parents to get close their children; single parents may be more vulnerable
are often attracted to careers or places that let them be close to children, such as youth groups, schools, playgrounds and parks
often spend time 'grooming' children with gifts or special attention - trying to build trust - before abuse takes place
often tell children that their relationship must be a secret
may make children feel chosen or special; children who feel they don't have enough love and attention at home may be especially vulnerable
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 can make a big difference. Many children get confused when they don't know what's normal.
Encourage open communication in your family. Make time to talk with 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
Parents have become increasingly worried about the dangers of the internet. It's vital that you have some family rules about using websites and email and warn your children about possible risks. These include accidentally viewing pornography, or being targeted by a paedophile looking to set up a meeting.
You may want to:
keep the computer in a family area, rather than someone's bedroom
take an interest in what your child is looking at on the internet
talk about her experiences of using the internet and tell her to come to you if she's worried about anything
stress that she should never give out personal details such as her address, telephone number or the name of her school
Be aware of any changes in your child's behaviour or moods and ask as sensitively as you can what the problem might be.
For more tips about online safety, see the BBC ChatGuide.
What to do if you think a child is 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 that any abuse is stopped.
Call the police - if a child is in danger, contact them immediately.
www.bbc.co.uk/parenting/your_kids/safety_stranger.shtml
Unfortunately, it's often impossible to tell a paedophile just by looking. The old idea of a 'stranger in a dirty raincoat' bears no relation to the reality. Paedophiles can come from all walks of life and look no different from anybody else. They may be in positions of power and trust.
We do know that paedophiles:
sometimes try to win over parents to get close their children; single parents may be more vulnerable
are often attracted to careers or places that let them be close to children, such as youth groups, schools, playgrounds and parks
often spend time 'grooming' children with gifts or special attention - trying to build trust - before abuse takes place
often tell children that their relationship must be a secret
may make children feel chosen or special; children who feel they don't have enough love and attention at home may be especially vulnerable
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 can make a big difference. Many children get confused when they don't know what's normal.
Encourage open communication in your family. Make time to talk with 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
Parents have become increasingly worried about the dangers of the internet. It's vital that you have some family rules about using websites and email and warn your children about possible risks. These include accidentally viewing pornography, or being targeted by a paedophile looking to set up a meeting.
You may want to:
keep the computer in a family area, rather than someone's bedroom
take an interest in what your child is looking at on the internet
talk about her experiences of using the internet and tell her to come to you if she's worried about anything
stress that she should never give out personal details such as her address, telephone number or the name of her school
Be aware of any changes in your child's behaviour or moods and ask as sensitively as you can what the problem might be.
For more tips about online safety, see the BBC ChatGuide.
What to do if you think a child is 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 that any abuse is stopped.
Call the police - if a child is in danger, contact them immediately.
www.bbc.co.uk/parenting/your_kids/safety_stranger.shtml