The school year is coming to an end, now more than ever you need to ensure your child is being safe.

 The 5 Safety Rules that are taught to children during the MBF Child Safety Matters® program are designed to help children and teens identify and respond appropriately to any unsafe situation. Take a closer look at the Safety Rules, and learn how you can use them to keep children and teens safe this summer! 

 We believe adults are responsible for keeping children safe, however, we also know that some adults aren't always safe. If a child or teen is in an unsafe situation, or if they're not sure about a situation, they need to know that they can always use Safety Rule #4 to Talk It Up with a Safe Adult. 

 Visiting relatives, attending pool parties, and having sleepovers with friends are favorite summer pastimes, and are great places for your child to make new friends. These activities are great fun, but it's important to be cautious of the many unfamiliar faces that your child will be seeing. With some precautions and important conversations with your child, they will be able to spend time with others, make new friends, and stay safe. 

 Summer is a time when many children and teens attend camps and other programs to keep them busy and active. While most are generally safe places for children, parents need to be aware that predators look for places where children congregate to find potential victims. To ensure your child's safety, it's important to learn what to look for in organizations, programs, and camps where you plan to leave your children. It's also important to know what questions to ask organizations about their child protection policies to ensure the organization is aware of, and actively works to minimize common risks to children. 

 Without school, homework, or after-school activities this summer, children will inevitably spend more time on their digital devices. To help keep your child safe, you should be aware of the various digital dangers that children and teens face, such as the dangers posed by online games, apps, chatrooms, and virtual reality sites. Learn more about topics to discuss with your child to help minimize their exposure to digital dangers.