A playground bully, an adult stranger, even a familiar grown-up, can represent a threat to a child - physically or sexually.   Many children are now being taught how to stay safe, often through special lessons at school.   The following is what the KIDSCAPE charity suggest that parents should teach their children:

1. To be safe.   Tell your children that they have the right to be safe.   No one can take that away.
2. To protect their own bodies.   Children must know that their body belongs to them, especially the private parts covered by their swimsuits.
3. To say no.   Tell your children it is alright to say "no" if someone tries to hurt them.   A lot of children are told to always do what grownups tell them.
4. To get help against bullies.   Bullies pick on younger, more vulnerable children. Tell children to get friends to help them, and say no without fighting.   Make sure that they tell a grown-up.   Tell them to give up something a bully wants, like a bike, if they are going to get hurt.   Tell them that you will not be angry if they come home without it.
5. To tell.   Tell your children they must always tell you what has happened and that you will not be angry with them.
6. To be believed.   If your child wants your help, they need to know that they will be believed and supported.   This is especially true in the case of sexual assault, as children rarely lie about it.
7. Try not to keep secrets.   Child molesters known to the child often say that a kiss or a touch is "our secret".   Tell your children that some secrets should never be kept, even if they said that they wouldn't tell.
8. To refuse touches.   Tell your children they can say no to touching or kissing if they don't like it.   If someone touches them and tells them to keep it a secret, they must tell you.   Never force your child to hug or kiss anyone.
9. Try not to talk to strangers.   Most well-meaning adults will not approach a child who is on his own, unless he is obviously lost or distressed.   Tell your children never to talk to strangers, and to politely ignore any approach from a stranger.   Get them to tell you if a stranger tries to talk to them.
10. To break rules.   Tell your child they can break rules to stay safe.   They can run away, scream, lie or kick to get away from danger.