Personal safety means understanding your rights over your own body and knowing how to protect yourself in situations that feel wrong or uncomfortable. Every person, no matter how old or young, has the right to decide who touches their body and how. Learning about personal safety is not about being afraid of everyone around you. It is about having the knowledge and confidence to recognize unsafe situations and knowing exactly what to do if one occurs.
Every person has the right to say no to any physical contact that makes them uncomfortable, even if the other person is an adult they know and trust. The areas of your body covered by a swimsuit are called private parts, and no one should touch them except a doctor during a medical exam with a parent or guardian present. If anyone ever touches you in a way that feels wrong, it is never your fault, no matter what the other person says. You always have the right to speak up and tell a trusted adult what happened.
There is an important difference between safe secrets and unsafe secrets. Safe secrets are happy surprises, like a birthday present or a surprise party, that will be revealed eventually and make people feel good. Unsafe secrets are ones that make you feel scared, confused, uncomfortable, or sick to your stomach, and someone tells you to never tell anyone about them. If anyone ever asks you to keep an unsafe secret, you should tell a trusted adult right away, because unsafe secrets should never be kept.
Every child should identify at least five safe, trusted adults they can go to with any problem, question, or worry. These might include parents, grandparents, aunts or uncles, teachers, school counselors, coaches, or trusted neighbors. Having five people on your list means that if one person is not available or if the problem involves one of them, you still have other adults to turn to. Practice saying their names out loud and know how to reach each of them, whether by phone, in person, or through another trusted adult.
People you meet online are not always who they say they are, because anyone can create a fake profile with a fake name, age, and photo. Never share personal information like your full name, address, school name, or phone number with someone you have only met online. If anyone online makes you feel uncomfortable, asks you to keep secrets, or wants to meet you in person, tell a parent or trusted adult right away. Never agree to meet someone in person that you have only talked to online unless a trusted adult goes with you.
Your body often gives you warning signals when something is not right, like a sick feeling in your stomach, a racing heart, or a strong urge to get away. These feelings are sometimes called your “inner alarm” or “gut instinct,” and they are your brain’s way of telling you to be careful. If someone tries to get you to go somewhere alone, offers you gifts for no reason, or asks you to break rules and keep it secret, those are warning signs of an unsafe situation. Trust your feelings, and do not worry about being polite when your safety is at stake.
If you ever find yourself in a situation that feels dangerous or wrong, there are clear steps you can take. Yell “help” or “this person is not my parent” as loudly as you can to get the attention of people nearby. Move to a safe, public place like a store, library, or fire station, and find a trusted adult or call 911. Remember that it is always okay to say no, walk away, and tell someone what happened, even if the person told you not to tell.
Telling an adult about something scary or uncomfortable can feel really hard, but it is one of the bravest and most important things you can do. Some kids worry they will get in trouble or that no one will believe them, but trusted adults want to help and will take what you say seriously. If the first adult you tell does not help, keep telling other trusted adults until someone does. Speaking up not only protects you but can also protect other kids who might be in the same situation.
OtterKnow Kids Encyclopedia