8th Grade

Recently, 8th grade students were asked to identify or recall two Safe Adults.  You are encouraged to talk with your child about what they have learned!

Are you your child's Safe Adult? See below for more info from the Monique Burr Foundation.

The MBF Child Safety Matters® program teaches children to identify two Safe Adults who will help keep them

safe from bullying, cyberbullying, all types of child abuse, digital abuse, and other digital dangers. If you are a

Safe Adult, it means that you should be familiar with the 5 Safety Rules and how to respond if a child comes to

you with a concern. Learn more and join our Safe Adult Club at www. mbfpreventioneducation.org.

Safety Rule #1: Know What’s Up – Talk to children, listen to them and ask them questions about their activities

and the people they spend time with. Learn about the technology and devices they are using (or can

access).

Safety Rule #2: Spot Red Flags – Teach children safety concepts such as personal space and boundaries, to

respect themselves and others, secrets and tricks, and online safety. Educate them on the dangers present

in society and how to Spot Red Flag behaviors to identify unsafe situations, and how to seek help to minimize

their risk of being victimized.

Safety Rule #3: Make a Move – When you suspect a child is being harmed, trust yourself and act. If a child tells you about abuse or bullying that has happened to him/her or another child, praise him/her for telling you and take action right away. Report bullying to the school or organization where it occurred. Report any inappropriate content or other unsafe online situations to the Cybertipline at 888-536-5678. Report suspected child abuse to your state child welfare agency (visit https://www.childwelfare.gov/organizations/ for contact information). 

Safety Rule #4: Talk It Up – Talk to children and other adults about safety, unsafe situations, and the Safety Rules. Let children know they can talk to you about safety when the need arises. 

Safety Rule #5: No Blame | No Shame – Let children know they are never to blame if anything happens to them because adults are responsible for keeping them safe. Let them know they should never be ashamed to tell you about Red Flags, abuse, bullying, or anything else related to safety. Tell them you are there to help them.