• Teach your child which body parts are private (parts covered by a bathing suit). Also, teach your child the proper names of those parts (breasts, vagina, penis).
• Know the adults and children that spend time with your child. Make surprise visits to your child's caregiver.

• Teach your child about private parts of the body. Children may touch their genitals and be curious about the genitals of others. Use these opportunities to teach your child how to show respect in the ways that he talks to and touches others.
• Ask for advice. Many sexual behaviors may be normal in this age group, but if a child asks an adult to perform a sexual act or becomes forceful in his sexual behaviors, call your pediatrician for advice.
• Give simple answers. When children ask questions about sex or the genitals, give simple and understandable answers so they know these topics are not "off-limits."

• Teach your child to respect the private parts of others and to expect others to do the same.
• Talk about whom the child can tell if someone makes him feel uncomfortable when he is away from home.
• Listen when your child tries to tell you something, especially when it seems hard for him to talk about it. Make sure your child knows it's OK to tell you about anyone that makes him feel uncomfortable, no matter who that person may be. Ask your child what he would do in certain situations (like if a stranger tries to talk to him or calls him to a hidden area) and how to recognize danger.

• Stress personal safety. Your child should be aware of places where sexual abuse could happen, such as video arcades, malls, locker rooms, and out-of-the-way places outdoors.
• Talk about peer pressure. Make safety plans with your child so he knows what to do if he is asked to use drugs or alcohol, smoke, touch someone sexually, steal, cheat, or bully.
• Teach your child about sexual abuse. And if your child's school has a sexual abuse program, discuss what he learned.
• Always know what your child is viewing and sharing on the Internet. Keep the computer in a room where you can watch your child. (Internet safety is important for all children.)

• Set aside time each week to talk about the good, bad, and confusing experiences. Topics may include the following:
  • Types of sexual abuse, including date rape, sexual harassment in chat rooms or schools, pornography, and people who ask for sex through the Internet
  • Preventing sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy
  • Effects of drugs and alcohol on sexual behavior
  • Respect for others and by others, stressing the importance of honoring other people's wishes when it comes to how they are treated and touched (A person should have to say "no" only once.)

Good communication with your child is one of the best ways to prevent sexual abuse. Children should know they can and should talk with their parents about anything that makes them sad, scared, or confused. Remember that if you need advice, you can talk with your pediatrician.

Published online: 2/08
Source: Child Sexual Abuse (Copyright © 2007 American Academy of Pediatrics, updated 6/07)

Healthcare professionals may order this publication in multi-copy packs.
Parents can find more information on this topic in Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5. To order a copy of this book visit the AAP Bookstore.

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The information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.