December 30th, 2018

The Warning Signs of Inappropriate Interaction with Minors and how to recognize it.  ​

The Warning Signs of Inappropriate Interaction with Minors and how to recognize it. 

As Advocates for Student Athletes we feel it is our responsibility to continue to educate Student Athletes, their families, and others in the sporting community.

With Social Media and the constant barrage of information available it is important to put some warnings in place. 

When CSA takes on a new Student Athlete, we take them through a training of Communication, Time Management, and Accountability.  In the Communication segment we go through detailed information about the dangers of Social Media and the negative affects on a Student Athlete and now we will be adding the warnings and what to look for in inappropriate interaction with minors.

CSA is presenting to all Student Athletes the dangers of sexual predators and inappropriate conduct by others that they may come in contact with.

Warning Signs below are a collaboration of internet articles written to educate the public on the dangers.

Most sites agree that some of the signs may include:

• Someone paying “special” attention to your child.  Winning over their support or affection.
• Having secrets or hiding texts or photos on their phone.
• Isolation and activities that require them to be one on one.
• It’s NEVER appropriate for an adult to have secrets or any type of special or flirtatious relationships with minor or a person under their influence of power.
• Touching the child getting them comfortable with the touching.  Usually non-sexual at the beginning.
• Might joke or talk about sexual things to make them think it is normal.
• Luring older children with drugs or alcohol or watching inappropriate material on the internet or tv.
• Being secretive of sharing information with the parents or convincing them that they understand the child better than their parents.
• They target those that may be troubled or have other social isolation and then they use it to lure them to believing that they care.
• Many will seek out a single parent situation and lure the child in through that relationship.
• Usually a very nice, helpful person prey on people in need, when they can insinuate themselves in your life.
• They will usually threaten the child if they tell that bad things will happen to those they love or blame it on the child.
• Monitor any adult in a power position so they do not abuse that power to manipulate a child. 
• They’re usually someone you know.  Don’t let your guard down because they’re nice or friendly.  Use stressful and vulnerable situations to get in — they find a need they can fill and they use that to get next to the victim.
• A big warning sign is if their behavior changes, nightmares, mood swings, drugs or alcohol or outburst behaviors that change suddenly.  Stop It Now!
• Listen to your children if they feel uncomfortable around a particular adult. 
• Don’t dismiss that this “could NEVER” happen to me or my child.  Be suspicious, it is not your child’s fault. 
• Be concerned if the child or adult look for reasons out of the ordinary to be together.

 
Ways to protect your child

• Monitor their Social Media and texting.  Don’t be afraid to be “that” parent and explain why you’re keeping them safe.
• Always listen to your gut!  Don’t justify those feelings.  Better safe than sorry. 
• Be willing to identify inappropriate interaction with other children and adults in team or sports situations.
• Never allow your children to stay in hotel rooms or drive with an adult to sporting events where they’re alone and vulnerable.
• Do not allow your child to be alone for any given reason with someone doesn’t matter the gender.  Be suspicious.
• Teach your children to identify if an adult is using their authority to make them do something that makes them uncomfortable.
• Begin talking with your child about sex and anatomy at an early age. The University of Missouri has more information teaching your kids about “good touch, bad touch.”
• Teach your children to recognize grooming behavior.
• Let your children know that they can always come to you and trust you with concerns.  The Sanford, Florida, police department has more information (PDF) on “No, go, tell.”
• Never blindly surrender responsibility for your children without question.
• You as the parent should know your child’s teachers, day care providers, coaches, and any other adults in their lives.
• Don’t be afraid to notify another parent if you witness inappropriate conduct to their child.  We owe it to each other.
• Be aware of what apps your children are using and monitor all of their online activity.
• Visit schools and practices unannounced. Ask questions.
• Recognize that sexual abuse could happen to your child. It’s estimated that one out of every four girls and one out of six boys will experience sexual abuse, according to the American Psychological Association.

Several groups have information about keeping your child safe from sexual predators, including Stop It Now!, the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, Childhelp, and the National Library of Medicine.
 
https://educateempowerkids.org/8-ways-predator-might-groom-child/
 
http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2011/11/17/how-to-keep-your-child-safe-from-sexual-predators-2/
 
https://plugger.drphil.com/articles/article/266
 
https://www.bark.us/blog/grooming-signs-sexual-predators/
 
https://www.educo.org/Educo/media/Documentos/InformacionFinanciera/CCNNA_201407_en.pdf
 
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