How can parents help their children stay safe – both online and offline?
In Episode 3 of Season 3 of The Fathering Project Podcast, Dr James Brown speaks with child safety expert and online safety specialist Kristi McVee about the practical things parents can do to help protect their children, build trust and create an environment where kids feel confident speaking up when something doesn’t feel right.
From responding to harm to preventing it
Kristi spent 10 years as a police officer, working as a specialist child interviewer and Detective Senior Constable. After seeing firsthand the impact of child abuse and trauma, she shifted her focus from responding to harm after it occurred to helping prevent it in the first place.
Today, Kristi works with children, parents and educators to build greater awareness around child safety and online safety, including presenting to students from Years 3–12.
Making child safety part of everyday conversations
Keeping children safe doesn’t mean making them fearful of the world. It means giving them the knowledge and confidence to recognise when something isn’t right – and making sure they know they can always come to us.
James and Kristi discuss how parents can make conversations about body safety, consent, boundaries and online safety part of everyday family life, rather than relying on one big conversation.
They also explore:
- How to start age-appropriate conversations about body safety and consent
- Online risks and what parents should be aware of
- Grooming behaviours and warning signs
- Why children need to know they can speak up without fear of judgement
- How connection and trust can help keep children safe
- Why parents don’t need to have all the perfect words
Listen to the episode
It’s a practical conversation for parents and carers about creating safer environments for children – online, offline and at home.
Watch or listen to the full conversation with Kristi McVee below.
