Preface / Introduction

Chapter 1: Child Safety Statistics 

Chapter 2: Child Safety Basics

Chapter 3: Children & Car Safety

Chapter 4: Bicycle Safety 

Chapter 5: Children & Strangers 

Chapter 6: School Safety 

Chapter 7: Improving Your Kid's Academic Approach

Chapter 8: Children & The Internet

Chapter 9: Kids and Sports Safety 

Preface / Introduction  At one time, protecting your children was as easy as ensuring they were in at dark, brushed their teeth and had a delicious and healthy dinner. The world has changed throughout the years, however, and nowadays it is a much scarier place to live than we ever could have imagined 15 or 20 years ago. It seems that we live in a world where dangers lurk at every corner; especially for the harmless, helpless children that we love so dearly. Keeping your kids safe is a never-ending, tireless task, yet one that you’d go to great lengths to secure for the most precious beings in your life. From the very first day that you bring your children home from the hospital until the day that you leave this earth, protecting your kids from harm is something that you’d go to great lengths to do. Friends and family are always there to provide you with advice and guidance for child-rearing and maintaining their safety and while their advice is always meant-well and accepted, it sometimes isn’t accurate, up-to-date, or something that you’d ever consider as a parent. Since there is no manual for child safety and the advice of others may not always be the best, it is up to you to ensure that you are always aware of the right ways of protecting your little ones. With this guide you’ll learn professional tips and advice for child safety. Whether you’re the parent of a baby, a toddler, or a school-aged child or teenager, the information inside of this course is provided to you in an effort to help you keep the people that you love most in life safe no matter where life may take them. 

CHAPTER 1 - Child Safety Statistics 

As a parent, there is nothing in this world that you wouldn’t do to protect your children. It is only natural that you have such a desire within your heart, especially with all of the things that you see going on in the world today. If child safety isn’t yet a concern, perhaps you’ve been in the dark far too long. The following child safety statistics are shocking, but nonetheless the realities of the world today. Upon learning this information you may have an entirely new outlook on child safety and the importance of keeping your kids, no matter their age, protected at all times. If you are interested in learning more about the dangers that lurk out there around your child, this guide provides the necessary information needed to stay informed. 

This is the wake-up call that you need if child safety isn’t already a concern on the top of your mind. Are you ready to hear some of the shocking statistics? According to the National Center for Exploited and Missing Children, there are approximately 800,000 kids reported missing each year. This includes both those that have been abducted, ran away from home, and whose whereabouts are otherwise unknown by the parents or custodial guardians. A child is reported missing every 40 seconds in the U.S. 74% of all child abductions are of female victims. 

The National Center for Exploited and Missing Children also reports that more than 200,000 children are kidnapped or abducted by a family member or close relative and  another 58,000 kidnapped by a stranger each year in the U.S. It seems that no one is trustworthy around your children these days. Dosomething.org reports that approximately 1.2 million school-aged students are bullied each year. An average of 4,600 teen suicides is reported each year, with a large number of those suicides related to bullying experienced both at school, at home, and online. 

The Department of Justice reports that there are 1.8 million children affected by sexual abuse in the U.S. Many of these cases involve a close family member or friend, or someone that the child trusted. One out of every three teens aged 12 to 17 has been the victim of cyberbullying. Approximately 400 children were killed while riding their bikes in 2010. Another 515,000 bicycle injuries were reported in this same year. These accidents were oftentimes the result of not wearing a helmet 

The U.S. Product Safety Commission reports that approximately 390 children die from accidental pool drowning each year. Most of these deaths are children under 5 years of age. Children riding bikes are at greater risk of accident, injury, or death than while riding inside of a car, despite the fact that bicycle accidents account for only 1% of all accidents reported. Motor vehicle accidents, homicide, suicide, and other unintentional injuries are responsible for ¾ of all teen related deaths in the U.S. Marijuana is the most commonly abused drug used by adolescents. Prescription drugs are a close second on the list. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, more than 44% of all high school seniors have used marijuana on at least one occasion and many currently use the drug. - Child Safety - 8 | P a g e It is reported that one in every four girls is the victim of sexual abuse, while one in every six boys are victims of this crime. Baby-proofing and child-proofing your home may reduce the risk of accident or injury by as much as 60%. 

The National Highway Traffic Administration reports that many of the automobile-related accidents and deaths could have been prevented with a car seat that was properly installed. More than 73% of all car seats currently being used are installed correctly, putting the life of your newborn at risk. Bicycle related head injuries can be avoided with the use of a bicycle helmet. There are helmets available for bike riders of all ages. 

CHAPTER 2 - Child Safety Basics 

The non-existent ‘how-to’ manual of caring for children would be a blessing to most parents, but since it is unavailable (and would likely be of little help since all children are cut from a different loin) it is up to mothers and fathers to do what they feel best for their children, making decisions sometimes spur-of-the-moment and without idea of what is really the best solution. The best method of keeping children safe is something that parents disagree on often, but at the end of the day, what is important is that your child feels safe, secure and confident wherever they go, thanks to your efforts of protecting them. 

Children look up to their parents; they trust what they say and confidently go about the day knowing mom and dad would never hurt them. It is vital that you’ve taught your children the proper means of safety in every faucet of life because of your importance in their life. 

How To Discuss Safety With Your Child: Talking to your child about safety isn’t always easy. Sometimes it is difficult to find the right words to say to someone so young, so innocent, and of course who is your baby. But effective conversations are an important part of raising your child. Without these important talks, on a regular basis, it is possible that your child may be unaware of the right way to stay safe should  the situation arise. It is always in your best interest to talk to your children often and in a manner in which is easy to understand at the child’s age. 

Although some of the talks about safety may be difficult, they’re all important. 

Toddler: Your toddler is capable of understanding their name as well as the name of their parent. Mom is always cute, but ensure that your child knows your real name. It is important that you teach your toddler the importance of staying near you while on an outing. There are safety leashes and other equipment that you can purchase to ensure that your child doesn’t get far out of your sight. Talking to your toddler about their different body parts and how their private parts are different and special to them is also important. When talking to your toddler about safety, the following points are important. Toddlers learn best when you use real-life situations to teach them. Hypothetical situations aren’t always easy to comprehend for a toddler. Keep this in mind. 

Teach your child how to ask for help if it is needed. Teach children to trust their caregivers, but also to realize when they have an ‘uh-oh’ feeling that signals that something is right. Use language that your toddler can comprehend and understand. Preschool A preschool age child should be confident in their name and address. If they cannot recite this information to you already, sit down with your child and help him/her understand. Preschool age children should also know their telephone number.

Preschool aged children should be able to comprehend a stranger from someone that they know. This is a good age to use a password or secret word so that your child knows who is and who isn’t appropriate to go with. Your preschool aged child should also know better than to get into a car with anyone else. Tell your child that 9-1-1 is available and how to use it to get help from a trusted adult. Since preschool aged children are beginning to blossom in personality and play with other children, help them better understand what is and what is not acceptable when touching other kids. 

Also ensure that they’re aware of the importance of keeping their hands to themselves. It is also important that children know that no one should touch their private parts. Preschool age children can understand ‘if and what if’ situations. Elementary Age Children Creating a buddy system with elementary aged children is a good idea. It is always better to do something with a friend –and it is less dangerous, too.

A list of trusted people the child can call is also beneficial. Add at least 5 names to this list. Help your child understand that keeping secrets from parents is unacceptable –and that if an adult asks for them to keep a secret, it is important to immediately tell an adult. Kids shouldn’t ask adults to keep secrets. The conversation about sex is a difficult one for most parents, but also important to have, even when your kids are as young as 8 or 9. When you talk to your kids about sex now, they’ll have a better understand of what is and is not appropriate with their private parts and a better understanding of their own sexuality. 

There are guides, books, DVDs, and videos that can assist you with this talk. Remember that your children are learning about sex from TV, books, and their peers at school, so they need the sufficient information that their parent can provide to them. Helping your kids feel safe and secure and that they are able to talk to you about sex can prevent many problems now and later down the line. 

Middle School Children: Now is the time to talk to your child about the online world and the dangers that lurk. While it is important that you teach your child about predators and the importance of not sharing too much personal information online, also remember to teach your kids that other dangers exist on the web, such as bullies, and how to respond. Monitoring your child’s online activities at this age is very important. Let your child know the importance of thinking before they send something online because it never really disappears. Your child is likely experiencing many changes as a middle-schooler, which can cause conflicts among peers. Explain that you do understand what they are going through and stress the importance of learning to trust adults. Help your child understand the emotions that he or she is experiencing sexually, and help him or her understand what it means to become sexually involved with an individual.

CHAPTER 3 - Children & Car Safety

With more than 27,000 car accidents occurring on US highways every single day, protecting your little ones while traveling on the roads is imperative. While being a safe driver that keeps their eyes on the road and focus on what’s going on around them is simple for most, sometimes it isn’t as easy when there are kids playing around in the back, a screaming baby or a toddler amidst a tantrum. Despite these minor setbacks, it is easy to get behind the wheel of a vehicle with confidence that your children will arrive as safely at their destination as they left the house. Car Safety It’s the law -children must ride in a car seat or a booster seat while traveling inside of a vehicle. 

The laws regulating the length of time a car seat or a booster seat must be used varies from one state to the next. Safe Kids offers a free state –by-state tracker to learn more about the laws for car seat use in your state. Correctly using a car seat can reduce the risk of injury to your child by as much as 70%. It is estimated that approximately 74% of all parents aren’t using their seats correctly.

Infant Car Seat Safety Rear-facing car seats are used for infants 12 months of age and younger. These seats are portable so you can easily transport baby without disturbing his rest. There are weight and height restrictions in place on infant car seats. Be sure to check these limitations for the specific car seat model that you purchase. 

Forward-Facing Car Seats Once your child reaches 12 months of age, the use of a forward-facing car seat is recommended. The forward-facing car seat provides your now rambunctious little one with more sights to see as you explore the town while also offering additional safety measures, including a five-point harness and tether. These safety features prevent your child from moving forward in the event of a crash. Weight limits are in place for forward-facing seats. The weight limits vary from one make and model of seat to the next, but typically go up to a weight of about 65 pounds. Once your child surpasses this weight limit, the use of a booster seat is recommended. 

Booster Seat The booster seat is the final seat that your child needs for safety protection. The booster seat is used by children from 8 to 12 years of age who do not meet the height/weight requirements. Children must ride inside of a booster seat until they’re 4’9’. Several different types of booster seats are available for your child.

Inside & Outside Car Safety Regardless of the type of car safety seat your child is using, be sure that you strap your child up before you depart for any trip. Don’t count on older kids to properly strap the little ones in; that is your responsibility. It takes only a matter of seconds to ensure that your child is properly seated before departure. 

Car Seat Safety Tips A few additional car safety tips for you and your children: What Car Seat Will You Purchase? When choosing a car seat, do not sacrifice quality. It is worth spending a few extra dollars to get a seat that provides the ultimate in safety and protection for your baby while traveling inside of a vehicle. Take the time to compare the different car seats for your child’s age, and get to know more about the brands. You can browse the web to learn information about child car seat safety recalls and other important information. 

Used Is Not An Option Used car seats are never worth the savings. There are far too many safety recalls on car seats to take the risk. Besides, when you purchase a used car seat you never know if all of the parts are there, if it has been involved in a wreck, etc.

Pre-Trip Car Seat Inspection Before each trip, do a quick car seat inspection. A free car-seat safety checklist is available to help you. Spending an extra 10-minutes to review the car seat and the checklist can provide - Child Safety great protection to your little one. If you are unsure of the proper method of installing your child safety seat, free inspections are provided by various companies throughout the states. 

Set An Example Be a good example for your children. While it is the law that you wear a seatbelt, some people do not. Ensure that you’re not one of those people; buckle up each and every time you get inside of the car. Your children will be more inclined to want to buckle up and stay safe if they see that mom and dad is doing it, too. Never Leave Children Unattended The car is not a place that your child should be left alone- even for a few minutes. You might be surprised at just what can happen in a matter of seconds. 

In addition to these dangers, the heat inside of the vehicle is also of concern, just as leaving the vehicle running poses safety risk. Stay Up-To-Date Register your car seat after purchase. Registering the car seat not only enables you to take advantage of the warranty, but also ensures that you receive notification of important information on the car seat, including safety recalls and violations.

CHAPTER 4 - Bicycle Safety 

Nothing is more exciting for a child than bike riding. It is an enjoyable activity that they can participate in on their own, with friends, and even with family. Unlimited riding possibilities exist as well, making the activity one that boys and girls, pre-teens and teens and even adults alike can enjoy. Bicycling is a great method of exercise as well. But, cycling can also be dangerous for children. More than 300,000 kids are injured from bicycled-related accidents each year. In 2013, more than 740 bicycle-related fatalities occurred in the U.S. Although you do not want to deny your child the fun and pleasure of bike riding, you do want to go the extra mile to secure their safety. Bicycle Helmet Importance Because a bicycle injury may cause a head injury that leads to injuries of the brain, wearing a helmet each and every time your child gets on a bike is important. It is so important to wear a bicycle helmet that the government has initiated standards for them. Look for the Consumer Product Safety Commission sticker to ensure that it meets the standards. Your bicycle helmet provides superior protection against brain injury when it meets the standards set in place by the CPSC.

Additional tips to keep your children safe while bicycling: Teach children road signs and what they mean as well as the importance of looking both ways twice before crossing the street. It is vital that children use sidewalks or bike lanes to ride and that they cross only at lights or signs. Ensure the vehicle fits your child. The seat can be adjusted and should fit one to two inches between the child and top bar. Before each trip, check the bike, with particular emphasis on the tires and proper inflation. Don’t ride a bike after dark unless it is necessary. During those occasions, make sure that you have a reflector light on the bike so cars and other may easily identify you. Always go with the flow of traffic if riding in a bike lane Stay alert at all times and be aware of your surroundings!

CHAPTER 5 - Children & Stranger Safety 

Talking to your child about strangers and the potential dangers they pose without scaring them isn’t always easy, especially when it is a younger child. Yet it is so very important that you take every step possible to ensure that your children know who a stranger is and how to avoid any dangerous circumstances with this person. There are many ways to make such a talk with your children easier, no matter what their age. Around age four or five, children find their personality and their voice and while they’re busy on the playground making the acquaintance of kids, they’re also vulnerable to strangers that might not have the best intentions for them. Even those we put our trust into can turn out to be the people that we should’ve avoided at all costs.

How can you teach a child who has little idea of the dangers of the world to stay safe when interacting with other people yet still trusting of people such as police officers, teachers, and workers at the supermarket? First and foremost, ensure that your child knows that there are both good and bad people in the world. While we trust some people more than others, anyone can do things that hurt is and it is never okay for this to happen. Your child should learn respect of themselves for an early age and be unafraid to talk to you. Remember, we talked earlier about keeping secrets: stress the importance of telling you any ‘secrets’ adults tell them to keep. When your child knows what is and what is not acceptable they are able to better determine when a situation may not be exactly what it should be. 

Sexual Predator Dangers Another uncomfortable yet important topic to discuss with your children is sexual predators. While statistics show an improvement in sexual predators today than many years ago, there is no question there is a reason for any parent to worry –and to have this much-needed talk with their kids. Girls are most at-risk for sexual predators, but boys are never excluded from the dangers. Children as young as 5 or 6 can understand that no one should touch them in their special private parts. Abduction Prevention Checklist Being unable to find your child and know that he or she is missing is a fear that all parent’s share and worry over. 

There are a few things that you can do to help prevent the risk of your child being abducted. Compile a checklist containing all of the items below and ensure that you’re well-prepared to keep your children safe and secure.

Child Abduction Prevention Checklist ___ 

Use Child Safe Cards that include a current photo of your child (taken within the past six months,) height, weight, age, and hair and eye color. ___ 

Visit the local Police Department for a fingerprinting/foot printing of your child. Most agencies will do this at no cost. ___

Have copies of your child’s medical and dental records. ___ 

Monitor your child’s behaviors online, including the websites they visit. Make a list of these sites and keep on hand. ___ 

Ensure that your child has boundaries set and that they are aware of those boundaries. ___ 

Select a special code word that only you and your children know. ___

Ensure that your child knows his or her address and telephone number as well as the number of a trusted adult they can call in event of an emergency. ___ 

Perform background checks on anyone that you trust to provide care for your child. This includes babysitters and day cares. How to Talk to your Child About Safety A few tips to make the talk with your child a bit more comfortable for both (or all) of you: Don’t be afraid to talk to your children. Remember that it is better to have informed children than to be sorry after the fact. Speak to your children calmly. Do not use scare tactics in order to get your kids to listen to you. 

Inform your children of the different ploys and techniques commonly used by a predator, such as needing directions to a nearby location, help finding a pet, or something similar. Your child should clearly understand that adults do not depend upon children for information. Teach your children that it is okay to say no. Learn how to understand when something doesn’t feel right and run away in such a situation that causes discomfort. Talk to your kids about various situations and scenarios that may very well become a reality in their life, and the proper ways to handle themselves in such a situation. 

As a parent, you should be vigilant about protecting your kids. Learn who their friends are, and get to know families a little more. If something doesn’t seem right, there is probably a reason. Be wary of an adult that seems to want to spend a good amount of time with a teen; talks sexually to or about a child or a teen; singles your child out; or acts in any other suspicious manner. Let your child know that they can always talk to you and listen to what they have to say. Check sexual predator registries regularly, and be sure that you’re aware of the people that are around your kids at school, on their sports teams, etc.

CHAPTER 6 -  School Safety Sending the kids off to school is a frightening experience, whether it is the first time walking through those big double doors as a kindergartner, the first day of high school or somewhere in between. So many worries fill the minds of a parent as they send their young ones off to school. These worries oftentimes extend far beyond the normal getting good grades and preparing for a good college worries. As a parent with a school-aged child, the worries filling your mind are numerous. We worry that our children will become the victim of a bully, or that they won’t be treated well by their teachers. Recent events place more burdens on the shoulders of a parent, as the worry of school violence increases. 

Your Child at School It’s hard being a kid and don’t let anyone tell you differently. Each year of a child’s growth puts them more in tune with the world and with other people and provides them with a sense of who they really are, all while the worry of living up to the expectations of their parents, friends, and others; peer pressure; school worries; and more mound up in their still-growing, ever-changing minds. One of the biggest worries that a child has is being liked and accepted by others. Children at school can be very mean sometimes and it seems not to decrease with the grade level. Teasing cliques, name-calling, and other ways of poking fun at children seem to be a hard part of growing up that every child experiences at least minimally. It’s never easy to deal with. 

Help your child understand that teasing and poking fun is never okay. If it is hurtful –it is NOT okay! Helping your child understand how to respond to in such a situation is especially helpful and may help avoid some of the traumas that can be left from these words that are so hurtful. A few of the things that you can suggest to your child: Your child should know that the most important thing to do when they feel that they are being picked on is to inform a trusted adult (teacher, principle, etc.) as soon as possible 

Teach your child how to calmly walk away from the situation Teach your child how to be confident in telling the person making fun of him/her to stop Help your child understand how not to respond to the teasing because it can make the person teasing only want to taunt them more Teach your child how to respond with their own joke or funny phrase which may defuse the situation or cause the child that is teasing to back down because they see that it is not going to bother your child By providing your child with a well-rounded home life that encourages positivity and builds self-esteem from early on is one of the ways that your child can cope with the sometimes difficult and mean children they’ll go to school with. By teaching your child how to be a friend to others with self-esteem building techniques at home, the negativity of other students should be much easier to deal with. Should your child experience the teasing, name calling and other ill-mannered behaviors of their fellow students be there with an open ear to listen to your child and support them. Those positive talks and encouragements from mom and dad may seem to go in one ear and out the other, but they do sink in and your child will be thankful for your uplifting care and concern. 

Your support means more than anything to your child, especially at such a difficult time in their life. Here are a few additional tips to help your child deal with difficult children at school: Teach your child that it is okay to be who they are and that changing themselves is never something they should desire to do. It is okay to have certain groups of people that you like more than others. Perhaps you share more common interests with that particular group. This is acceptable, but what isn’t acceptable is being mean or cruel to another person because they’re not included in your specific personality group or genre. Your child should understand the differences. Your child should also understand that the actions of other children have nothing to do with them but instead a part of growing up that some children handle differently than others. 

A few additional tips that can help keep your kids safe against other children: Dealing with Bullies Bullies seem to be found in every city and state and in most all schools. It seems that combating bullies is a difficult task for schools nationwide and while they’re doing everything possible to keep each and every student thriving in an educational environment, it is up to parents to help protect their children against bullies and bullying. Bullies are probably one of the biggest fears that a parent has when they send their children off to school. Bullying these days has certainly taken on a whole new level compared to long ago when it was nothing more than a few (seemingly) harmless names. These days, however, bullying is far more damaging, sometimes causing extreme emotional damage to the child that can last them for many years ahead.

Here are a few tips that you can practice with your child to ensure that a bully doesn’t cause problems during their school year, or that should they find themselves the victim of the teasing and taunting, they’re well-aware of the right ways to address the issue. It is important that your child knows that they can talk to you about problems they’re facing at school, including issues with bullies. 

Reinforce the fact to your child that the bullying is not their fault. Do not hesitate to talk to the school principle concerning the issues with bullying that your child is experiencing. Perhaps it is not an issue they are aware of and until they have this information, little changes will take place. Help your child learn how to avoid the bully whenever possible. Help your child learn assertiveness. While fighting back is not encouraged, it is important that your child stand up for himself when being bullied. Oftentimes bullies choose children they perceive as weaker to bully. When your child shows that he isn’t weak, the bully is likely to continue their efforts. Watch for signs that your child is being bullied. Sometimes your child may be embarrassed and not want to talk about the problem. It is your job to intervene before the problem becomes more serious.

CHAPTER 7 - Improving Your Kid's Academic 

Approach Students have so many worries when attending school should be a time to enhance their abilities and educate the mind. In addition to the concerns above, students also want to do the very best they can in all of their classes, allowing them to go on to lead a successful life after college. Being a good student may be difficult, but not impossible for those determined to succeed. If all of the concerns above weren’t enough, children also want to bring home good grades, learn the material they’re being taught, and go on to live a fulfilling, successful life after college. The pressures are definitely realistic for students even as early as elementary school! Being a good student, however, isn’t as difficult as some would perceive it to be. While it does take dedication and diligence, it is certainly possible for any student to exceed even their own expectations in school. 

This section will be spoken as if speaking to your children or any child, so bare in mind that when referring to “you” we'll actually be talking to the child. You can use these tidbits and approaches to helping your own kid or kids. However, we will also switch between talking to the kid and to you, so you may want to pay close attention.

Learning Starts Early A love of learning starts early-on in life. Share as many educational, learning opportunities as possible with your kids. Most anything imaginable can easily turn into a lesson for kids. Provide them with books to read, and fill their minds with positive reinforcements of the great things awaiting them with their college education and brilliant mind. 

Get Ahead Making the grades in 7th and 8th grade can alleviate some of the pressure that comes along with the freshman year of high school and subsequent years or may provide your child the opportunity to enroll in honors classes and excel their learning opportunity. Study hard and keep your eye on the prize and high school will be years spent without added stress and with greater opportunities. 

Pay Attention Perhaps the easiest way to be the best student that you can be is to pay attention to teachers, during classes, and special educational events. When you’re paying attention, taking notes, even recording lectures, you’re doing your part to fill your mind with the information necessary to get ahead during your schooldays. Tests are much easier when you’re paying attention in class. And, you’ll have the opportunity to ask the teacher questions if there is information that you do not quite understand. A part of paying attention also requires that your homework be completed. Missing even one assignment can have a drastic effect on your final report card grade. When assignments are missed, it also puts you at a disadvantage because important information may also be omitted. A study area is important for children to have. The study area should provide ample space for books, papers, etc. without being cramped, as well as a comfortable seat. There should be no distractions in the study area, including cell phones, radios, or the TV.

Staying neat and organized is yet another beneficial tip to students who want to do their best in school. Organized students can find their assignments, pencils, paper, notes, etc. without worry, saving time as well as frustration. A few organizational tips: Use multi-colored binders to help keep papers separated and in order Immediately place papers into folders and never cram them into the pockets Once per week, clean your backpack, removing any unnecessary papers, books, etc. Set Standards & Goals Students excel in school when they set standards for themselves and have future goals and dreams to accomplish. Help your child develop a love for learning early on and they’ll have little trouble setting high standards for themselves and their education.

CHAPTER 8 - Children & The Internet The Internet is the popular hangout spot for children, pre-teens and teens. It’s an open world where anything goes, including not-so- appropriate material for children. While your child is likely online to communicate with friends and post photos on social media, play games, listen to music, and find out what Justin Bieber and their other favorite stars are up to, the dangers that lurk out there for kids is known all-to-well by parents despite the naivety of children and such. 

The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) was established in the year 2000, designed to protect children under 13 years’ of age by limiting the personal information that a website can gather without parental consent. Because of this privacy protection act, many sites, including Facebook and other social media platforms, restrict use of their website to individuals over the age of 13. If you happen to have a child that is 13 years of age or younger, it is important that you do your part to keep them protected by limiting and monitoring their online activities, ensuring they comply with the COPPA act. 

Monitoring Online Activities A number of tools are available that help you control Internet access, the websites that your kids are visiting, and online predators. While there is no 100% method of protecting kids, the use of these tools greatly diminishes the odds of your child being a victim of a crime while also providing them with Internet-education. Blocking specific websites from your child’s computer is one option that is available. Oftentimes parents restrict adult websites, social media sites, etc. but any website that you don’t want your child to visit can be placed onto a ‘bad list’ and restricted. Setting guidelines for your children’s Internet use is also an essential step in keeping them safely protected. Your child should understand websites they are and are not allowed to visit and oblige by those rules. It is important that your child understands that you really never know who it is behind the computer screen. They should never take inappropriate photographs or send messages as there is always a record that can be used for deceptive purposes later down the line. Personal information given out online should also be limited. This includes real name, address, home telephone numbers, etc.

Internet Safety Tips Additional tips that can help you keep your child safe and protected while using the Internet: Inform yourself of how to use a computer if you don’t know already. Learn your computer as well as your child’s if they’re using a separate unit. Keep the computer in a common area where you can easily see what websites your child is visiting. Create passwords for your children so that you are aware of them at all times. Monitor credit cards for unusual charges. Monitor the amount of time that your child spends online. Educate your child concerning Internet safety. Alert them to the dangers that exist and how to respond should they be encountered, receive a threatening or inappropriate text or email, or otherwise feel unsafe while online. Learn who your children’s friends are –both online and offline. Block chat rooms and forums, as these sites are risky to children. 

CHAPTER 9 - Kids and Sports Safety Sports are an important part of being a kid. Many teams are available for kids, both in and out of school. Sports participation provides an ample number of benefits to both children and parents, as it teaches children team-building skills, builds self-esteem, keeps them fit and active, and allows them to bloom into wonderful social beings as they have fun participating in an activity they love to enjoy. However, sports are also dangerous. In 2013, more than 1.9 million children were seen by a doctor due to an injury sustained while playing a sport. Minimizing sports injuries is something that any parent can –and should –do to help protect their child as they play in their favorite sporting activity. 

Eye Protection Glasses and goggles are the two most commonly used forms of eye protection, worn by children participating in sports such as tennis, football, and hockey. While there are several different types of eye glass/goggles available, poly-carbonate eyeglasses provide the best protection against injuries to the eyes. It is the only material that has been tested for use in sporting activities.

Mouth Guards The use of mouth guards is recommended for children to protect the teeth, the tongue, and the mouth when playing in contact sports such as volleyball, martial arts, and basketball. A dentist can create a mouth guard custom-fitted to your child’s mouth, however, average size guards are sold at many sports stores. 

Helmet Use The use of a helmet is important when playing most sports, including baseball, football, softball, and wrestling. Helmets help protect the skull and the brain from injury and serious damage. A number of different helmets are available. Many of these helmets are designed for use by players in a specific sport, so do keep this in mind when making your selection. Additionally, choosing a helmet that meets or exceeds the standards set forth by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is desirable. 

Padding Padding for the elbows, knees and wrists are available. The guards can prevent strains and sprains, as well as serious bruises and pain from falls to the ground. Children participating in any sport can benefit from the use of padding. A sports cup is an additional form of padding for boys to keep their private areas protected during contact sports. 

Be a Fair Sport You play to win the game and anything less is very disappointing to most, regardless of the sport. However, teaching your child that it is okay to lose the game sometimes as well as how to play fairly with his teammates is an important part of playing sports. Along with enhancing the experience enjoyed while playing sports, teaching your child how to play fairly can reduce injury and accident during the game. 

Children whom are upset, anxious, or angry while playing a sport are more likely to cause an injury, even without trying. By avoiding the build-up of the frustration and playing fairly, everyone enjoys a safe and fun game without injuries included. 

Sports Safety Tips Sports physicals are required to be completed before students are allowed to participate in school sports in many cases, but it is a good idea to have a physical performed either way. A sports physical ensures that your child is in good health that allows them to enjoy the sometimes physical extremes brought on by playing sports. Hydration is important when playing sports outside and when practicing. When the days are their hottest, water or a sports enhancement drinks (such as Gatorade or PowerAde) ensure that your child doesn’t become overheated. Ensure that your child is aware of the importance of staying well-hydrated when practicing or playing sports. 

Stretching before and after sports are extremely important. Stretching releases muscle tension, reducing the risk of strains and tears on the ligaments and muscles. If your child does experience an injury, keep them out of the game until the injury has properly healed. Going back to the scheme of things before an injury has time to heal will only cause more injuries to the area and cause more pain. Game rules and techniques are in place for a reason. It is imperative that both you and your child are aware of the rules and follow them precisely. No one is immune to any of the rules and breaking any of them could potentially lead to the injury of a child. Attend sports safety clinics held in your area.

Taking a day or two per week off from playing (including practice) is recommended to give the muscles a break and time to recover. The National Council on Youth Sports Safety is a non-profit organization offering additional advice and information that can help you protect your child during sports.