After SANDY HOOK: Look Beyond Gun Control!

A year ago, Americans were shocked by the tragic loss of 20 children and 6 teachers at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Are you surprised Congress has not passed any new gun control laws? If legislators can’t pass laws, perhaps, we need to focus in a different direction!

All school shooters and violent gang members have something in common. Adam Lanza, the Sandy Hook shooter, was an angry, lonely, troubled young man who was socially isolated with access to guns and violent video games. Just like other violent young men, he lacked strong male role models in his life and a neighborhood and community support system. He didn’t have any spiritual guidance to help develop his coping skills in order to handle his emotions. He was a candidate for mental problems and violent behavior.

If we are going to stop gun violence, let’s start a discussion on what city leaders can do to help strengthen families.

As a crime and violence prevention specialist for 38 years, I see a critical need to address fear and social isolation that drives people to buy guns. When we understand the importance of involvement and neighborhood responsibility, we can restore a sense of community. Disconnected families will discover they are not alone. New neighborhood mentors and role models will emerge as neighbors build trust. Youth need people who care and offer support to help them reach their potential.

Connected and involved neighbors can help cities save millions of dollars. Citizens would no longer feel the need to buy a gun for protection as they help youth stay out of the criminal justice system. Everyone benefits.

WHAT ELECTED, CIVIC AND RELIGIOUS LEADERS CAN DO to create positive, citywide change!

Civic and religious leaders can talk to local elected officials about creating a…
Citizens’ Task Force to focus on strengthening families.

GOAL: Strengthen families through neighborhood support and encourage healthy role models for youth! Citizen involvement reduces fear, anger, stress and isolation, as neighbors work together and build trust.

HOW? Elected and religious leaders have the ability to influence citizens to take charge of their neighborhood safety, which will help strengthen families.

WHY? In cities large and small, families experience divorce, bullying, domestic violence, child abuse, and drug and alcohol abuse. When neighbors get connected, they can help restore a stronger sense of community support.

WHO? Encourage city leaders to appoint a volunteer citizens’ or youth task force to develop a plan to help residents get connected. Depending on city population, appoint a group of 8 to 10 community “doers” to discuss local concerns and focus on a plan of action.

RESIDENTS NEED ENCOURAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP:
Task Force members can take an active role in speaking to schools, civic and religious groups about the plan. For example: “Adopt-A-Block” can be implemented citywide. Encourage adults and youth to conduct a neighborhood survey. Get willing neighbors together and appoint leaders. Evaluate results and address concerns.

Ideas to get more neighbors and youth involved:
- Clean up graffiti and/or the neighborhood
- Plan a potluck Block Party or social gathering
- Hold an emergency Preparedness meeting
- Moms organize a baby-sitting co-op
- Plant a community garden
- Paint house numbers on curbs (Project for teens)
- Offer leadership training

Reducing fear and building trust is a long-range approach to stopping gun violence. We can no longer afford to ignore the importance of family support and neighborhood involvement if we are going to keep citizens safe and protect our children.

Stephanie L. Mann, Crime and Violence Prevention Consultant
Safe Kids Now
For more information: www.safekidsnow.com

The Internet Can Disconnect Us!

Feel that vibration in your pocket? Is it an emergency call? No, it’s a Facebook notification; however, teenagers react to it like it is an emergency. Can’t they check it out later? No, the urge is too strong to resist.

The Digital Age has become a great tool to get information in the palm of our hands. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and iMessage are all on our phones. People are becoming addicted to these social networking sites, and it is affecting their interpersonal relationship with people. It’s so easy to be separated by a screen and a keyboard rather than deal with a person in front of you.

Andrew Chow, a sophomore in Lafayette, CA said “I think most teenagers are abusing the main purpose of using mobile phones which is using the device as a phone. Teens text or use Facebook and log into social networks too often, getting distracted from school work and other more important priorities.”

How much time do you spend on your social networking site than actually talking face to face with your friends? Phones were originally created to help us communicate with others when we couldn’t see them in person. It’s not the phones that are abusive; it’s how people use them that makes it abusive.

It seems that these social networking sites are becoming tools used for bullying. Classmate Isabel Artiaga thinks bullying “is definitely a phase that people go through, especially at this age.” Statistics show that 56% of teens have once been the target of a cyber-bullying activity. Sticks and stones will break your bones, but words and pictures will hurt your child’s feelings. Teens are using Facebook to harass their peers.

It’s amazing what horrible things these teens say to others on the internet, in order to lower people’s self-esteem. A sixth grader commented “Sometimes bullying doesn’t seem like such a big deal just one time, but when it happens repetitively, it can be really depressing for people.”

What parents can do is talk to their children about what is going on with them online. They should sit down with their kids and ask “what would you want me (your parent) if you were being cyber-bullied. Parry Aftab, a New-Jersey-based lawyer and expert on bullying, advocates the ‘stop, block and tell’

approach.

To help your child stay balanced, centered and safe, check out www.safekidsnow.com/streetsafekids

PREVENT Child Sexual Abuse-Empower children

2 minute REPORT: The 7 MYTHS that keep adults for discussing child sexual abuse.

Children will not be victims if you empower them. To learn more about protecting children, go to www.safekidsnow.com Join the Safe Kids Now community on www.facebook.com/safekidsnow We welcome your comments and questions.

The SEXing of American Children

The media has made casual SEX common place. No wonder children are having babies and teens are taking drugs. They are NOT emotionally equipped to handle a sexual relationships. Jodi Arias trial is an extreme case of sexual obsession. Here are some ideas to help you empower children and keep them safe. Agree or Disagree...Add your comment!

Stop BULLY/VICTIM behavior!

BULLIES AND VICTIMS can have deadly, unforeseen consequences.  It is up to adults to give children the tools they need to stop bully behavior at an early age.

Bailey O'Neill was only 11 years old when he was attacked by two bullies.  He died after suffering seizures and other complications.


ADULTS AND PARENTS: 4 steps YOU can take to keep children safe.

Street Safe Kids Guidebook - 10 steps to help develop a spiritually centered child!
For more information: www.safekidsnow.com/streetsafekids.html

Oscar Pistorius: From Hero to Zero!

Domestic violence is a worldwide problem! Oscar Pistorius, an Olympic hero called the "Blade Runner," is accused of killing his girl friend in So. Africa.

  We must understand domestic violence so we can PREVENT terrible tragedies in the future. Find out why men abuse women and what YOU can do to empower children so they don't become victims. To review a copy of Street Safe Kids: 10 step guide to empower youth, Click...http://www.safekidsnow.com/streetsafekids.html We invite you to add your comments!

Spiritual Crisis - Domestic Violence - Part 4

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

1 in 3 women are victims of domestic violence.  The odds are...you know someone who is a victim of abuse!

Here are the 4 steps in the Cycle of Abuse. 

We can stop the cycle of abuse if... we recognize what is going on and how to help family members or friends? You can help save a child from being a future abuser or victim!

For more Safe Kids Now Podcasts,  click here.

To hear Rebecca Kimbel's story of survival on YouTube,   CLICK HERE

Spiritual Crisis in America-Kids and Drugs-Part 3

PARENTS:  Children need a foundation of values and a spiritual understanding of self to resist drugs!  Or, they may experience a bumpy road ahead!  Empower children so they will not be easy targets for manipulation or bullies. 


Involved children can smooth out life's journey!  Parents will have less stress and anxiety because children have the tools to make good choices to help them reach their potential.
Help is available.
To review all Safe Kids Now Podcasts Click HERE

Stopping Child Abuse!

Do you know the signs of child abuse?   Children need ALL OF US to speak up to help make families stronger and more resilient!  We can stop child abuse.

Street Safe Kids: 10 step guide



For more information about our podcasts - CLICK HERE

Are you raising a Bully, "Pin Cushion" Child or a Centered child?

            Bully behavior starts at an early age!

1 in 3 children are victims of bullies!  Teach children how to speak up with self-confidence or they can become victims.   

Bullies must modify their behavior. Victims must develop self-confidence.  Listen to the "Safe Kids" series on Bullies, Parenting, Pin Cushion Kids.

Next week, "Why TEENS become self-destructive!"

We invite you to add your comments! Join us on Facebook

Podcasts available - CLICK HERE

6 MYTHS - Keeping cities locked into crime!

Chicago had 10 people killed and 40 wounded in 4 days. This can change if we get beyond the myths!

For decades, politicians and community leaders have perpetuated myths as the cycle of drug abuse, gangs and violence continues from one generation to the next. Myths include:

Myth #1 - Police can keep us safe.
Police have a limited role. Additional police on the streets can increase response time, but their job is to react to crime. The national average is 2.4 police for every 1000 citizens. It is not realistic to assume the police can keep us safe.

Myth #2 – More money will stop crime.
In the past 40 years, billions have been spent on education, home security, and guards, swat teams, training, scanning equipment, shot spotter and surveillance cameras. Money doesn’t stop domestic violence or youth from being abused at home or bullied at school. It does not put a responsible father back in the home or increase time spent with children.

Myth #3 – Hitting and verbal abuse will not harm children.
An abused child struggles to be accepted. They can rebel, learn to be bullies or become victims. These children don’t trust their instincts and intuition or develop a healthy conscience, which can protect them. When children have love and a network of support, they grow strong and resilient.

Myth #4 - Laws control criminal behavior.
Politicians pass laws to keep the public safe. Laws have limitations. Most citizens obey laws. Criminals, gangs, pimps and drug dealers ignore laws.

Myth #5 - Racism keeps the community oppressed.
The blame game divides and distracts from real solutions. Blaming police or society perpetuates anger. Anger gives disconnected youth an excuse to be violent which is a self-destructive false sense of power.

Myth #6 - Poverty keeps people from progressing.
Politicians gain power by creating an illusion of compassion. For decades, billions of dollars has been spent on programs including the “War on Poverty” and “War on Drugs.” In our zeal to help, we destroyed self-confidence, self-determination and motivation.

Myths have some truth but they don’t change behavior. Connected citizens have the power to create positive change and restore community safety and confidence.

America at a crossroads
Will security in the U.S. require more laws and less freedom or will we focus on supporting neighborhoods and strengthen families?

The largest group of crime victims, children. They are “canaries in the mine.”

For more information, www.safekidsnow.com

Neighborhood Watch - A different point of view

The controversy over the Trayvon Martin shooting by a Block Captain in Florida prompted the writing of this article. Ms. June Fletcher explores the pros and cons of joining a NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH group.

Do you belong to a Neighborhood Watch group? What is your experience? What do you think?

Article published on Yahoo Real Estate 5/18/12. Click here to read: http://realestate.yahoo.com/promo/should-you-join-a-neighborhood-watch-program.html

Bin Laden: Primitive Men vs. Enlightened Americans

U.S. Special Forces killed Usama Bin Laden one year ago. As the 1st anniversary approaches, Americans are being warned to stay alert as terrorists may be planning violent acts of revenge. Brave American soldiers removed this ego-driven man, however, his behavior should be a wake up call for everyone. Bin Laden was part of a very dangerous worldwide movement.

In primitive societies, tribal men fight to gain control of a tribe. A new leader assumes power as followers give away their power to a stronger, smarter and wiser man. The leader can manipulate and set up secret alliances to protect his authority. With growing support and an inflated ego, he may try to gain control of other tribes to increase his dominance.

Primitive behavior begins at an early age. The schoolyard bully discovers a false sense of power when no one intervenes. The teenage boy controls his girl friend with threats (1 in 5 girls experience dating violence). The husband abuses his wife (1 in 4 women in abusive relationships). 800,000 American gang members use fear and intimidation to control neighborhoods. Gangs commit eighty percent of all urban crimes as citizens hide behind locked doors. (The first four months in 2012, Chicago had 120 murders and 490 people were victims of gun violence.)

Just like tribes, gang followers are spiritually blind and band together to support their leader’s cause, which includes human trafficking, prostitution, drugs and weapons. They become destructive, driven by power and money.

Cult leaders are primitive men in disguise, often hiding behind religion. They control whole communities and brainwash followers. Jim Jones, David Koresh and Bin Laden died along with hundreds of followers rather than accept interference from authorities.

Cults do not allow freedom of thought or human rights. They write laws to control women so men have total authority. Cult extremists pass laws and cover women from head to foot. Women disappear from community participation. Their role is to give birth and take care of men. Primitive men severely punish anyone daring to challenge them. Followers lose their freedoms, in the name of a god.

Dictators have ruled for centuries! Seventy-five years ago, Adolph Hitler tried to conquer Europe. Today, Syria’s Bashar Al-Assad kills his own people to stay in power. North Korea’s Kim Jung Il began his ruthless regime 100 years ago. Kim Jung Un continues to rule as North Koreans starve. Iran’s religious dictators threaten Israel. These power hungry men feel invincible as they intimidate free people with nuclear threats. The world has an abundance of evil men willing to kill for power and control. They lie to accomplish their goal, use fear to immobilize their enemies and would rather die than lose their power.

Primitive men can only stay in power as long as people don’t understand the power of the human spirit. When citizens stand together, speak up and refuse to give away their freedoms, the people will prevail and restore their God given rights. When Americans decide to work together for home, neighborhood and community peace, we will see a gradual decline in controlling boys and men. And, cities and countries will no longer tolerate self-serving power hungry men.

A spiritual awakening is happening! Americans are getting involved to create healthy, safe communities for families. Americans, by example, can lead the way to world peace. As the awakening unfolds, nations will follow America’s lead to discover greater freedoms, new innovations and peaceful co-existence.

Stephanie L. Mann, Crime and Violence Prevention Consultant
www.safekidsnow.com

15 Ways To Keep Children Safe!

DISCUSS WITH CHILDREN...

1. Keep your hands to yourself. Settle disagreements with words, not fists or weapons. (Parents…model non-violent behavior at home.)

2. If a bully provokes you, stay strong. Remember: If you react, he is in control. If you stay cool and calm, you are in control. Walk away!

3. If disputes escalate, seek help! Don’t form an audience. Encourage others to stop tolerating bad behavior.

4. Be alert! Find safe routes for walking to and from school, avoid hot spots (bully or drug house, group hang outs).

5. Know all your neighbors. (Parents: Ask trusted neighbors to be a safe house, if you are away and your child needs help.)

6. Trust your instincts! If they feel threatened or sense danger, get away fast. Run to a group of people, a lighted area or in a store for help.

7. Report any threats, destruction of property or suspicious activities to an adult, police officer or a school authority.

8. NEVER go with someone you don’t know and trust, even if he/she sounds like a nice person. If forced, fight back and run.

9. Don’t use alcohol or drugs. They reduce your self-awareness and make you an easy target for sexual assault and abuse.

10. If someone tries to be mean to you speak up with confidence and walk away. Report if the bad behavior persists. (Parent: Role-play with children what you want them to do.)

11. Hang out with friends who show support for each other. Avoid “friends” who bully, criticize, use put downs and make you feel bad.

12. Get involved in school activities (yearbook, plays, arts) to strengthen your network of supportive friend. (Parents: Children need a variety of friends to see and evaluate healthy relationships.)

13. Be a role model for others to follow. Volunteer in the community or at your House of Worship. Learn to be a leader and encourage friends to join you.

14. Create a network of positive friends, family, neighbors and a religious family to help strengthen your character and ability to get along. A strong conscience (self-awareness) will keep you safe from harm.

15. Parents actions speak louder than words. Get involved in community activities and take children with you. When children are connected, they gain self-respect and respect for others.

For more information and resources: www.safekidsnow.com

10 Ways to Stop Gangs without Money!

America has slowly evolved from “In God we trust” to the “me generation” demanding rights without a sense of responsibility to neighbors or community. The loss of community involvement has contributed to the growth of criminal gangs. When families break down, children can become angry. They can find comfort and support through gangs, sex and drugs.

The FBI reports the peak age for burglary is 16 and violence, age 18. Without correction, children fill the void with a false sense of power. Without responsible adults, a teen can steal or assault another child without guilt.

Police, schools and community leaders are struggling to cope, but children need adults to speak up and support each other.

As a crime prevention coordinator, I was facilitating a meeting of neighbors. After discussing ways to stop burglars, a neighbor asked what to do about two boys, 7 and 9 who were bullying her children. Other neighbors added the boys stole from a garage, broke several flowerpots and smashed a mailbox. A man said he had told the mother, “Get your boys under control” and she slammed her door. The group decided they could not let two young boys disrupt their lives but they needed a positive approach. Two tactful neighbors agreed to talk to the mother and offer help. The mother not only listened by burst into tears and said her husband had left. Neighbors decided to help and several men became mentors and families included the boys in their activities. Today they are successful students, one in high school and the other in college.

There are 28,000 gangs in the US and nine youths die every day from violence. Neighborhood support is critical for struggling families. Isolation creates an environment for crime, vandalism and domestic violence as citizens seek refuge behind locked doors. Americans are paying a high price.

We are at a crossroads. Citizens can restore the social fabric of communities.
Ten ways YOU can help stop gangs and destructive behaviors:
1. Help children learn how to become centered by taking your family to church. Children become strong and resilient by learning how to handle their emotions. Self-esteem is a “do it yourself,” project of looking within and changing ourselves. A strong conscience protects us, provides guidance and self-control.

2. Create a network of love and support with a peaceful home life and connecting to positive family members, neighbors and a church family.

3. Teach children the buddy system and street smarts. Encourage them to listen to their self-protective instincts and trust their intuition to avoid danger.

4. Include children in your home safety program: how to secure your home, how to answer the door and phone, what to do when home alone or in an emergency.

5. Create a safe neighborhood by working with neighbors. Join a neighborhood group or start one.

6. Establish a block parent program and designate a safe house on the block.

7. Conduct a neighborhood safety survey: Do you have overgrown shrubs, adequate lighting, open drainage, speeding cars, abandoned houses, drug dealers or gangs? Work with neighbors to solve problems.

8. Report criminal activities or designate neighborhood leaders willing to report to police.

9. Encourage city leaders to appoint a volunteer committee to promote community involvement and youth safety projects. Increase communication with local support agencies. Invite responsible teens to participate in teen courts and neighborhood groups.

10. Ask existing groups (churches, civic groups) to help organize after-school activities, start neighborhood newsletters, sponsor block parties and help clean up neighborhoods. Groups can reach out and help citizens get connected so gangs will not attract youth.

Responsible adults, take charge! We can create safe communities when children see positive role models and learn acceptable behavior.

Americans can reduce fear and restore trust by creating neighborhood support. We will stop gangs when adults work together for safe, healthy communities for everyone, especially for our children.

Stephanie L. Mann, Crime and Violence Prevention Consultant

For more information see, The Adopt-A-Block Guidebook, on www.safekidsnow.com

2012: How Safe is Your Community?

Did you know... the safest families live in neighborhoods where people know each other, communicate and build trust relationships with families and children. Family and neighborhood support keep your child safe from bullies, drugs, gangs and violence. People who know each other care and will help protect your child.

Check out these questions and rate your family involvement...

1. Do you know all your neighbors? (10 families around you)
2. Do you know and talk to the youth in your neighborhood?
3. When you see youngsters misbehaving, do you speak up, and correct them and/or notify their parents?
4. Do you accept complaints about your children?
5. Do you watch your neighbors’ home when they are away?
6. Do your neighbors watch your home when you are away?
7. If you hear or see something suspicious, do you contact neighbors or call the police?
8. Do you and your neighbors work together to solve neighborhood issues? (bullies, vandals, lighting, traffic, noise, etc)
9. Do you have a designated neighborhood leader?
10. Do you belong to a neighborhood group or association?
10. Do you have your neighbor's contact information (phone, email).
11. Is your family actively involved in your community? (civic, youth, charity, religious groups)? (Social isolation can escalate violent behavior.)
12. Do you know your elected officials and local police?
13. Do you know what to do in an emergency?
14. Do you know as much about your neighborhood as national issues? You have the power to change your neighborhood!

Rate yourself:
Are you part of the problem? Your neighborhood needs you and your ideas. Get involved!
Set a goal for 2012 to work with neighbors to keep families and children safe.

For more information on what you can do. Check out:
www.safekidsnow.com or contact us at: safeneighborhoods@gmail.com
Tell us what you are doing to help your community on www.facebook.com/stephanie.mann

Wake Up America...We must protect children!

Penn State University faces a national scandal! In 2002, an assistant football coach witnessed a sexual assault of a child, told administrators and no one reported it to police. Seven more assaults have now been reported.

Americans have heard horror stories about sexual assaults by priests, sex traffickers and the growing porn industry. The tragic truth is, children are sexually assaulted at home and in their neighborhoods every day. These children grow up and become parents. Often, the cycle of abuse continues. Americans are paying a high price for their silence.

When children feel powerless, violated and/or unloved, they act out in self-destructive ways. They may turn to drugs, sex, food, cutting, bullying, become an easy victim or join a gang to feel powerful! Around 80 percent of prison inmates were abused as children.

SPEAK UP TO PROTECT CHILDREN!

During the past year, 3 out of 5 children were exposed to violence at home or in their neighborhoods. It is up to citizens to stop this epidemic. If YOU don’t speak up, you are guilty of allowing abuse to continue.

10 things you can do to help stop child abuse.

1. Watch toddlers at play. A child tries to dominate by shoving playmates and crying for a toy. This is normal, childish behavior. Adults must correct children so they mature properly and learn to respect others. Don’t ignore aggressive behavior! Little bullies can become abusers.

2. STAY ALERT! Don’t let anyone hit, slap or verbally abuse a child. Children need protection, attention and encouragement. Adults are role models. Discipline children by taking way privileges but don’t back down or you will teach a child how to manipulate YOU.

3. Peace starts at home! Make a family rule… we treat each other with respect. Bully/victim behavior is learned at home. (25 percent of women and 10 percent of men are in abusive relationship) Verbal, sexual or physical abuse teaches children to be victims and/or bullies.

4. Don’t be your child’s best friend! Undisciplined children become angry when they don’t have the skills to develop positive friends. They may bully or become targets of abuse because they don’t know what else to do. This could lead them toward self-destructive behaviors.

5. Discuss family problems together and allow everyone to have a voice. Children mature and grow strong when they are heard and help solve conflicts, peacefully.

6. Discipline, rules, love, attention and support give children self-confidence. If bullied, they know they are NOT the problem. Self-worth gives children the inner power to stand up to bullies, walk away and report bad behavior.

7. Self-discipline keeps children safe. For example: If I pick a fight with you and you fight back, I am in control. If I pick a fight with you and you walk away, you are in control. Children can develop courage and character by speaking up and standing up to bullies.

8. Does your school have an “anti-bully” policy? Do neighbors work together to stop bullies on the block? Don’t ignore bullies! They can form gangs and make your neighborhood less safe. Don’t tolerate any destructive behavior.

9. BE AN ADVOCATE and get involved! CNN Special, “Bullying: It stops here!” stated, “Social Combat: the new norm for youth.” We must all speak up and work with neighbors to stop bad behavior.

10. Start a movement to help create a safer environment in your school or in your neighborhood. Ask friends to join you. If you want to know what to do and how to do it, check out safekidsnow.com

Speak up to protect children and our future.

Stephanie L. Mann, Crime and Violence Prevention Consultant
Author, 4 national prevention books.

Root Cause for Violent Behavior!

Hardly a day passes without youth violence making news. From bullying at school to gang activity in the streets, the problem is pervasive. Most recently, rival teenage gangs traded deadly gunfire in the streets of Macon, Georgia, and the mayor there has vowed to find solutions. Macon is not unique.

We believe the best time to counter violent behavior among the young is before it starts. If we expose children from birth onward to positive, nurturing, nonviolent treatment, and to exemplary adult role models, we can safely predict that they won’t evolve into bullies or gang members. The consensus of child development science concurs with our position in this regard. Merely funneling young lawbreakers into the juvenile system doesn’t get at the root of the problem.

Please carefully consider the following recommendations:

• Add parenting education to the standard high school curriculum with a passing grade as a prerequisite for graduation.

• Make parenting education mandatory for parents who are aid recipients.

• Promote legal reforms that will extend to children the same protections against assault and battery that apply to adults.

Share copies of our publication, "Plain Talk about Spanking" with child-related and healthcare-related organizations and agencies, including schools, hospitals, pediatric clinics, libraries, etc. It can be accessed online at www.nospank.net/ and we furnish FREE download or hard copies upon request.

The benefits that will result from our joint efforts to reform harmful child-rearing customs and habits, and replace them with positive alternatives, will become apparent in due course. As Nelson Mandela observed, "There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children."

Video with Jordan Riak, "Plain Talk about Spanking!" at: http://www.youtube.com/user/NeighWatchPioneer


Jordan Riak, Exec. Dir., Parents and Teachers Against Violence in Education (PTAVE); P.O. Box 1033, Alamo, CA 94507; Tel: 925-831-1661; On the Web at www.nospank.net

Keep Your Child Safe!

PARENTS: Discuss with children how to stay safe. Let children know they can tell you anything and you will listen.

1. Dial 911 in an emergency only. (Show and tell)
2. Never give your name or address to someone you don't know.
3. Never open the door to anyone you do not know.
4. Never tell callers you are home alone.
5. Never cross the street without looking both ways. (Stay in crosswalk)
6. Never accept a ride from someone you don't know.
7. Never play with matches.
8. Never walk alone, always use the buddy system.
9. If you feel scared by someone you don't know, run away and yell for help.
10. Get permission before you ride in a car with anyone.
11. Play in your backyard or near adults.
12. Create a family password in case a stranger needs to pick up your child.
13. If you are lost, look for a police officer, woman with children or a store clerk for help.
14. If someone asks you for help (directions, find a pet), run away and tell a trusted adult.
15. If someone tries to bully you, speak up and tell a trusted adult.
16. If someone tries to grab you, fight back, kick and scream for help.
17. If anything upsets you, tell me immediately and we will work it out together.

PARENTS: For extra protection...create a network of support around children and know all your neighbors!

For more information go to: www.safekidsnow.com

12 Ways POLICE INCREASED crime!

Do you remember when neighbors knew every child on the block and they called parents if they misbehaved? At that time, neighbors knew how important it was to correct children before destructive behavior got out of control.

Over the years, Americans lost a critical balance between police and citizen responsibility for keeping neighborhoods safe. As citizens backed off, police increased visibility, involvement and technology to control behavior with limited success. Here are 12 ways police increased crime.

1. Police presented unrealistic expectations. National average approx 2.5 officers per 1000 residents. Police cannot keep your neighborhood safe.
2. Police became crime prevention “experts.” Citizens became passive “watchers.” Police and citizens lost a healthy balance of cooperation.
3. Police created dependency by assuming too much responsibility for minor problems including barking dogs, loud music, young vandals and bullies.
4. Police, in some areas, instill fear with local crime statistics. Citizens bought security systems or arm themselves fearing their neighbors.
5. Police increased anger. They received grants and staff support to “fix” neighborhoods. Neighbors backed off. When the money ran out, problems increased.
6. Police assume too much responsibility. Citizens blamed them for not doing their job. Result in some areas…hostility toward police, less cooperation and reporting.
7. Police increased neighborhood isolation. They held meetings and provided home security info. Neighbors arrived as strangers and left as strangers.
8. Police received community-policing grants. Citizens depend on police who didn’t live in the area. Policy shifts, officer leaves and crime, goes up.
9. Police, not parents or adults in the neighborhoods, became the symbol of authority and correction for youth.
10. Police assumed responsibility without understanding the benefits of neighbors solving problems and becoming role models for youth.
11. Police don’t say... it’s your responsibility to keep your neighborhood safe. Police react to crime, citizens prevent crime.
12. Police have many limitations. Residents must take back neighborhood safety if they want to keep children safe.

Americans can restore a healthy balance between police and citizen’s responsibility in the neighborhood. However, neighbors must be involved to help control criminal behavior and correct youth BEFORE they get involved in gangs, drug abuse and violence. Safe neighborhoods require mutual respect and cooperation.

For more information on what you can do to make your community safe, contact: www.safekidsnow.com

The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it. -Albert Einstein