Prioritizing School Safety: A Call to Action for Parents, Educators, and Schools

As we prepare to send our children back to school, it’s crucial that we prioritize their safety—both in the classroom and online. Watch my recent discussion with Kimberly King where we highlighted the pressing need for comprehensive body safety education and proactive measures to protect children from abuse and exploitation.

The Importance of Body Safety Education

One of the most critical aspects of child safety in schools is body safety education. Despite the existence of laws like Ein's Law, which mandates body safety education in schools, many educators remain unaware of its requirements.

I always stress the importance of educating teachers and administrators on grooming behaviors and abuse prevention. I'm always urging parents to advocate for these programs in their children’s schools, as they are not always being implemented effectively.

Parents as Advocates and Allies

Parents play a vital role in ensuring that body safety education is prioritized in schools. I suggest that parents start by educating their Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) about the importance of these issues and work together to push for change.

Building relationships with teachers by volunteering in the classroom can also be a powerful way for parents to support educators and ensure that their children are safe.

Kimberly King, a survivor turned sexual abuse prevention educator, echoes this sentiment. She emphasizes the need for parents to be vigilant and proactive, not only in advocating for body safety education but also in staying informed about school policies—particularly those concerning lunch and bathroom supervision.

The Growing Threat of Online Predators and Sextortion

In addition to physical safety, online safety has become an increasingly urgent concern. The rise of sextortion and online grooming, often facilitated by AI and other advanced technologies, poses significant risks to children. Criminals are using sophisticated scripts and chatbots to manipulate and exploit young victims, sometimes with devastating consequences.

I highlighted the importance of educating children about inappropriate online behavior and how to report it. I underscore the need for parents to have ongoing conversations with their children about online risks, including sextortion and the dangers of pornography.

Taking Action: What Parents Can Do

To protect their children, parents must take proactive steps both at home and within their communities. I encourage parents to:

- **Ask about School Policies**: Inquire about lunch and bathroom supervision, as well as emergency procedures. Understanding these policies can help parents identify potential risks and advocate for necessary changes.

- **Volunteer in the Classroom**: Building rapport with teachers not only supports educators but also gives parents insight into the school environment and its safety protocols.

- **Attend Educational Classes**: Consider joining the upcoming live class on digital safety hosted by Kimberly King and me. This class will cover essential strategies for keeping children safe online, with bonus materials available for early sign-ups. Or educate yourself about Erin's Law. There are many great educators also talking about school safety, like Charol Shakeshaft.

What's Your Plan of Action?

The safety of our children should always be our top priority. By educating ourselves, advocating for comprehensive body safety education in schools, and staying vigilant about online risks, we can create a safer environment for our children—both in the classroom and online. As Kimberly and I have discussed, it takes a collective effort from parents, educators, and communities to ensure that our children are protected from harm.

Let’s take these steps together to make child safety a priority this school year.

If you'd like to learn more and go in-depth on this topic with strategies, scripts and templates as tools, join our upcoming class Back to School Body Safety. The live class passed, but when you register you'll get on-demand access to the recording (and you'll get the replay to keep for life).

Register here 

With gratitude,

Rosalia + Kim