Teaching your kids how to SPLASH can be important for their safety and well-being

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​S Swimsuits cover private parts, which we call by their correct names

P Private parts are only to be touched or seen by trusted grown-ups helping to keep your body clean and healthy with your permission.

L Listen to lessons from trusted grown-ups about your safety.

A Always tell a trusted grown-up if someone asks to see or shows you private parts.

S Secrets and surprises are different. No one should ask you to keep​ a secret forever. 
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H Hugs and kisses are your choice; remember that your body belongs to you and you can say “No”.​

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You Can Make a Difference

​Most victims of sexual abuse were abused by someone they knew or in a place they were familiar with. You can take steps to surround children with safe caregivers in safe environments.

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♦ Abusers often become friendly with potential victims and their families, earning trust and gaining time alone with children. Observe your child with others, and listen to your gut. If you feel uncomfortable with the way an adult is interacting with your child, step in.
​♦ Ask your babysitter for background checks, including criminal and child abuse/neglect checks.

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♦ Check that all of your child’s programs require background checks, personal interviews, and professional recommendations for all adults—including volunteers—who work with children.
​♦ Monitor children's Internet and smartphone use. Offender's have been known to use the Internet to lure children into physical contact.

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Educate & Empower Your Child

Talking to your child about their bodies, body safety, and personal boundaries is key in keeping them safe. Child safety is an adult responsibility.

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♦ Use the correct names for body parts, including their genitals, as they are learning to identify them (starting as early as possible).
♦ Make sure your child knows the difference between "okay" and "not okay" touches. No one should ask to see or touch the private parts of their body, except a medical provider or a caregiver who is helping them clean or use the restroom. No one should show them pictures of private parts. Teach them if those things occur, tell a trusted adult. Teach children that once they can bathe and use the restroom on their own, they should not accept such help from adults and older children.
♦ Teach children that it’s okay for them to say “no” if they don’t want to hug or kiss someone, including family, and always respect their decision.
​♦ Educate children on the difference between good secrets and bad secrets. A surprise party is a good secret because it isn’t kept for long. A secret that they are told to keep forever is not okay

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All information drawn from The Face It® Movement, an initiative led by Kosair Charities in the state of Kentucky. For more information visit their ​website at https://faceitabuse.org