The best way to begin to give your DD a fighting chance is to teach her to be completely in control of her decisions. Have her recognize the potential hazards, especially of texting, and the use of space in any environment. make sure DD does not get close in physical proximity, or texting with people unfamiliar.
Sure background checks, and threats of physical violence may work. But your 12 year old will soon be 18 years old and none of this actually works then to protect her as a parent.
What does work at 18, is for a young female adult learn an innate sense of other peoples manipulation techniques. It starts with every young lady, even at 12, understanding, being completely comfortable, and having the confidence to tell any adult ... BACK OFF, I am in charge of my space. You are only allowed near enough because I have made a choice to let it be so.
Sometimes it takes a dad to get that brunt of aggression from his own DD when she tells him to BACK OFF (not for anything sinister, but everyday life). If that dad does indeed back off, because the young DD wants more space, he has just taught her how to it to other adults. If the dad refuses to allow his own DD to say back off to him, by scolding her, he has just taught her exactly what these preditors want. A vulnerable young lady who is afraid to STOP someone who is too close. Listen up dads.
Even then it may not work. But preditors have a sense of who is vulnerable, and who is not. Teach your child to be in charge, to act in charge, and she has the best chance. Sometimes, as a parent it means swallowing your pride and letting DD have it her way. And face the real life consequences. Instead of ordering her to do it your way, stay protected from the consequences, yet in the long run be more vulnerable.
Sure background checks, and threats of physical violence may work. But your 12 year old will soon be 18 years old and none of this actually works then to protect her as a parent.
What does work at 18, is for a young female adult learn an innate sense of other peoples manipulation techniques. It starts with every young lady, even at 12, understanding, being completely comfortable, and having the confidence to tell any adult ... BACK OFF, I am in charge of my space. You are only allowed near enough because I have made a choice to let it be so.
Sometimes it takes a dad to get that brunt of aggression from his own DD when she tells him to BACK OFF (not for anything sinister, but everyday life). If that dad does indeed back off, because the young DD wants more space, he has just taught her how to it to other adults. If the dad refuses to allow his own DD to say back off to him, by scolding her, he has just taught her exactly what these preditors want. A vulnerable young lady who is afraid to STOP someone who is too close. Listen up dads.
Even then it may not work. But preditors have a sense of who is vulnerable, and who is not. Teach your child to be in charge, to act in charge, and she has the best chance. Sometimes, as a parent it means swallowing your pride and letting DD have it her way. And face the real life consequences. Instead of ordering her to do it your way, stay protected from the consequences, yet in the long run be more vulnerable.
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