How to Talk to Children About Abuse and Teach Them to Protect Themselves

Although abuse is a sensitive topic, informed adults can teach children from an early age what it means and how to reduce risk factors. Many parents may wonder: How can I talk to my children about this subject? and What is the best way to teach them about boundaries, safety, and respect?

It’s important to understand that what begins as an act of inappropriate behavior can develop into abuse. Awareness and knowledge can significantly reduce a child’s risk of exposure and protect them from harm.

The Reality of Abuse

Statistics reveal that 90% of child abuse cases involve someone within the child’s circle of trust. It is also very common for children not to report abuse — only 1 in 10 victims tell someone.

Adults have a moral duty to protect children by recognizing behaviors that cross boundaries and may lead to abuse. Most importantly, we must listen to children, believe them, and support them when they express discomfort or fear.

Below is an interactive quiz designed for children aged 6 to 8, containing simple and safe educational questions. It helps them recognize unsafe situations or predatory behavior in a gentle, reassuring way — without causing fear — while keeping a tone of dialogue and play. It can be used at home or in schools as part of awareness sessions.

Interactive Safety Quiz for Kids

Question 1:

A person in the park says, “Come with me, I’ll show you a cute puppy behind the tree!” What do you do?

1. Go with him to see the puppy.

2. Say “No, thank you,” and go back to your parents right away. ✅

3. Ask him to wait while you ask your mom.
   Explain: Anyone who wants to take you somewhere without your parents’ permission is not a safe person, no matter how nice they seem.

Question 2:

A stranger offers you candy and says, “Don’t tell your parents — I’ll give you more tomorrow!” What does that mean?

1. She loves me.

2. She’s hiding something dangerous. ✅

3. She’s just joking.
   Explain: People who ask you to keep secrets from your parents are not good people. Good adults never ask you to hide things.

Question 3:

If someone touches you in a way that makes you uncomfortable, what should you do?

1. Move away immediately and say, “Stop! I don’t like that.” ✅

2. Stay silent because you’re scared.

3. Laugh to pretend you’re fine.
   Explain: Your body belongs to you. No one has the right to touch you in a way that feels wrong. Speaking up is brave!

Question 4:

Who can you tell if something scares or bothers you?

1. Someone you trust — like your mom, dad, teacher, or grandma. ✅

2. Any random adult.

3. No one.
   Explain: Trusted adults are people who listen to you and keep you safe.

Question 5:

A well-dressed man says, “Your mom sent me to take you home!” but your mom didn’t tell you that. What do you do?

1. Go with him because he looks kind.

2. Ask for the secret family code word. ✅

3. Run to a nearby store or group of people and ask for help. ✅
   Explain: Use a family password or run to a safe place. Never go with anyone unless your parents told you beforehand.

Question 6:

Can anyone ask you to take off your clothes or show them your body?

1. Yes, if they say they’re a doctor.

2. No — only a doctor, with your parents present, can do that. ✅

3. Maybe, if they promise a gift.
   Explain: No one has the right to see your body except a doctor with a parent there. Your body is yours.

Question 7:

An older child says, “We won’t be friends unless you do what I say.” What do you do?

1. Agree so you don’t lose them.

2. Say, “A real friend doesn’t force me to do things.” ✅

3. Walk away sadly.
   Explain: True friends don’t pressure or threaten you.

Question 8:

If you see a strange car following you on your way to school, what do you do?

1. Run to the nearest shop or house and ask for help. ✅

2. Hide behind a tree.

3. Walk faster and say nothing.
   Explain: Always go to a place where there are safe adults around.

Question 9:

Can someone who hurts children be a person you know?

1. Yes, sometimes. ✅

2. No, only strangers.

3. I don’t know.
   Explain: Unsafe behavior can come from someone familiar. Safety depends on actions, not familiarity.

Question 10:

When should you scream and ask for help loudly?

1. When someone touches you in a bad way.

2. When someone tries to take you away.

3. Both. ✅
   Explain: Your voice is your strongest shield! Screaming attracts attention and scares away danger.

Seven Steps to Teach Your Child Self-Protection

1. Teach children to trust their feelings — if they feel sad, scared, or uncomfortable, they should talk to a trusted adult.

2. Tell them that if someone hurts their body or makes them uncomfortable, they can say “NO” loudly, scream, and run.

3. Help your child make a list of three trusted adults they can go to for help.

4. Understand that children may not fully grasp what happened but can express confusion or fear — take these feelings seriously.

5. Listen with patience and care. Let your child know they can tell you anything and that you’ll always listen.

6. Avoid overwhelming them with questions — instead, say: “Tell me more about that.”

7. Teach them about respecting boundaries — their own and others’ — and about consent.

If a Child Reveals Abuse or Assault

Stay calm.

Your reaction greatly affects your child’s healing process. Although the subject is painful, here’s how to respond effectively:

• Keep calm — your composure gives your child comfort and safety.

• Avoid asking too many questions; instead, use open ones like:
  “Who did that?” “Tell me more.” “Where did it happen?” “When did it happen?”

• Support your child and never blame them. Tell them they did the right thing by telling you.

• Believe your child — most children do not lie about abuse.

• Seek professional medical and legal help immediately.