Recently the media has reported a stream of arrests and allegations involving school teachers sexually abusing students. When faced with evidence of abuse, school administrators frequently don’t let others know about it, while legal loopholes allow some sex offenders to continue to teach. Experts believe the problem is much larger than the current reports indicate because victims often stay quiet because they fear they will not be believed and will be ostracized.

According to the associated press, in response to the rising number of reports of teachers sexually abusing students, ten states have developed plans to crack down on sexually abusive teachers. The new measures in these ten states provide tougher penalties for teachers who abuse students, punishment for administrators who fail to provide adequate supervision of teachers, and educational initiatives to train teachers on how to recognize abusers in their midst.

Regrettably, we have reached the point as a society where these measures are necessary to provide a minimal level of protection for children. Those who should most be concerned about the safety of children have become those who prey on children.

While it is admirable that states are trying to take measures to address teachers sexually abusing children, the reality is that as parents we need to do everything we can to help protect our children. We have to be willing to talk with our children about sexual issues. By the time our children are five years of age, they should know how to recognize when someone is trying to touch them inappropriately. If you as a parent haven’t taught your children about sexual safety and they are five year of age or older, now it the time to start teaching them. If you need assistance in teaching them, God Made Me: The Safe Touch Coloring Book is designed to help you teach your children about sexual safety.