Check out our collection of safety-related resources and links below. If you have a Blog post submission, contact us.
ONLINE RESOURCES
Websites
There are some great safety sites out there with good content for kids and parents alike. Check out some of the ones we like below!
- www.SafeKids.org
Of the many great resources on their site related to digital safety is a Kids Pledge for On-line safety. Check it out here.
- www.ConnectSafely.org
Another site with content related to digital safety.
- www.commonsensemedia.org
Privacy and internet safety to help kids maximize the internet's benefits -- while minimizing the risks.
Blog Posts
- First Step to Defending Yourself: Your Voices as a Weapon (Verbal Defenses)
By Krav Lady
- 10 Basic Safety Tips
By Mom with a Prep
Articles
- The Ultimate Self Defense Guide We Hope You'll Never Need
From Real Simple
- M.A.M.A. Self Defense
From Jarett Arthur
- Entrepreneur Tackles Self Defense for Moms (on M.A.M.A. Defense and author, Jarett Arthur)
From Forbes
BOOKS FOR PARENTS
When Jason Hanson joined the CIA in 2003, he never imagined that the same tactics he used as a CIA officer for counter intelligence, surveillance, and protecting agency personnel would prove to be essential in every day civilian life.
In addition to escaping handcuffs, picking locks, and spotting when someone is telling a lie, he can improvise a self-defense weapon, pack a perfect emergency kit, and disappear off the grid if necessary. He has also honed his “positive awareness”—a heightened sense of his surroundings that allows him to spot suspicious and potentially dangerous behavior—on the street, in a taxi, at the airport, when dining out, or in any other situation.
With the skill of a trained operative and the relatability of a suburban dad, Jason Hanson brings his top-level training to everyday Americans in this must-have guide to staying safe.
By Jason Hanson
BOOKS FOR KIDS
Here’s help for all adults who want to talk to young children about personal safety. Written by an expert in child safety, this full-color picture book teaches kids (and helps adults reinforce) seven important rules to personal safety in a nonthreatening way. It covers topics like safe versus harmful secrets, safe versus harmful touches, and the importance of having a community of trusted adults to turn to for help. Emphasizing the “check-in” rule and teaching kids to trust their gut instincts, this book gives children the knowledge and confidence they need to make smart choices about their personal safety every day.
By Alison Feigh & Laura Logan
Be Careful and Stay Safe (Learning to Get Along®)
The world can seem so perilous, especially where our children are concerned. But even very young children can learn basic skills for staying safe in ordinary situations and preparing for emergencies. Without scaring kids (or alarming adults), this book teaches little ones how to avoid potentially dangerous situations, ask for help, follow directions, use things carefully, and plan ahead. Includes questions, activities, and safety games that reinforce the ideas being taught.
By Cheri J. Meiners M.Ed.
No Means No!: Teaching children about personal boundaries, respect and consent; empowering kids by respecting their choices and their right to say, 'No!'
'No Means No!' is a children's picture book about an empowered little girl who has a very strong and clear voice in all issues, especially those relating to her body and personal boundaries. This book can be read to children from 3 to 9 years. It is a springboard for discussions regarding children's choices and their rights. With the prevalence today of online and offline bullying and various forms of abuse, such as physical, emotional and sexual abuse; our young people need to learn (from a young age) to always speak up when their rights are not being respected. The aim of this book is to empower children and to give them a voice so they can grow up into empowered adults. When a child, teenager or adult says, ‘No!’ to any form of coercion, this should be immediately respected. A world where ‘No!’ does actually mean ‘No!’ can be a world with far less violence and increased respect for humankind. By educating our children to have true respect for one another, this world can be a much safer and more positive place.
By Jayneen Sanders
Be Aware!: My Tips for Personal Safety
Sophie is on a mission. You can call her Agent S. Like any good spy, Sophie knows how to be safe. She helps her brother stay away from danger too. They always watch out for speeding cars, avoid strangers and never goof around on the school bus! Check out Sophie's tips for personal safety.
By Gina Bellisario
A Kid's Guide to Staying Safe on Bikes
A Kid's Guide to Staying Safe on Bikes discusses the different types of bicycles available for children, how to select the best fit, and safety tips for riding a bike.
By Maribeth Boelts
I Can Be Safe: A First Look at Safety
This friendly little book acknowledges kids' fears and makes them aware of things they need in order to feel safe in different situations. They learn, for instance, to look both ways when crossing a road, to wear special clothing for sports, to know their parents' names, phone number, and emergency numbers, and many other details. A First Look At… is an easy-to-understand series of books for younger children. Each title explores emotional issues and discusses the questions such difficulties invariably raise among kids of preschool through early school age. Written by a psychotherapist and child counselor, each title promotes positive interaction among children, parents, and teachers. The books are written in simple, direct language that makes sense to younger kids. Each title also features a guide for parents on how to use the book, a glossary, suggested additional reading, and a list of resources. There are attractive full-color illustrations on every page. (Ages 4-7)
By Pat Thomas
I Said No! A Kid-to-kid Guide to Keeping Private Parts Private
Helping kids set healthy boundaries for their private parts can be a daunting and awkward task for parents, counselors and educators. Written from a kid's point of view, I Said No! makes this task a lot easier.
To help Zack cope with a real-life experience he had with a friend, he and his mom wrote a book to help prepare other kids to deal with a range of problematic situations. I Said No! uses kid-friendly language and illustrations to help parents and concerned adults give kids guidance they can understand, practice and use.
I Said No! covers a variety of topics, including:
- What's appropriate and with whom.
- How to deal with inappropriate behavior, bribes and threats.
- When and where to go for help
- Dealing with feelings of guilt and shame.
By Kimberly King and Zack King
No Means No!: Teaching children about personal boundaries, respect and consent; empowering kids by respecting their choices and their right to say, 'No!'
The Berenstain Bears: Safe and Sound!
Brother Bear and Sister Bear love to ride their skateboards. When their usual skating park closes, the only place left to ride is a neighborhood spot where helmets are not the fashion! Will Brother and Sister forget Mama's advice about putting safety first while riding their skateboards? Find out in Safe and Sound.
By Jan & Mike Berenstain
The Safe Zone: A Kid's Guide to Personal Safety Paperback
Have you ever had to deal with a stranger who made you feel uncomfortable or been threatened by a bully in the schoolyard? Did you know that there are things you can do now that will help you be better prepared the next time around?
Most people think self-defense means fighting, but the best defense has nothing to do with hitting, kicking, or punching. In this book, written by two prominent personal safety instructors, you will discover how to protect yourself by being aware of your surroundings and by using your body language to let people know you're not an easy target. There are ways to avoid being a victim of violence. This powerful handbook provides nonviolent solutions.
By Donna Chaiet
A Smart Girl's Guide: Staying Home Alone
This popular book is now updated with new illustrations and advice that will help you feel confident and in control when you're home alone. It includes boredom busters, fun-for-one ideas, quizzes, neighborhood know-how, snack recipes, safety tips, first-aid information, and sibling survival secrets. Plus, this girl-friendly guide features a handy tear-out booklet for keeping track of important information and house rules. Check out this smart girl's guide to feeling safe and having fun!
By Dottie Raymer
A Kid's Guide to Staying Safe at Playgrounds
Offers tips on how to keep safe at a playground, including using the swings, seesaws, and other equipment safely and not talking to strangers.
By Maribeth Boelts