Review of Keeping Kids Safe

[Syanda Mkhwanazi]

This review makes me want to read this book so bad, as it shows that it's time worthy because of its content. Thank you for taking your time to share your views with us.

[Paris Kumar]

The depth and organization of "Keeping Kids Safe" by Gloria Masters are commendable, offering crucial insights into protecting children from sexual abuse and trafficking. Your thorough analysis highlights the book's practicality and significance, affirming its value as a resource for caregivers and professionals alike.

Thanks for sharing this with us !

[Chi Chiu Michael Mak]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Keeping Kids Safe" by Gloria Masters.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Sexual abuse and trafficking are rampant. There isn’t a day that goes by without news concerning child sexual abuse. Social media and technology have certainly exacerbated the situation in recent years. It is significantly more serious when a child is subjected to sexual abuse. Gloria Masters was sexually abused and trafficked for 16 years, from childhood to adolescence. As a child, in the limited ways she could understand, she was screaming for help through her actions. She wanted to be rescued, but nobody understood the reason for her behavior. She has offered her experience as a survivor, a parent, an ex-teacher, and an ex-child therapist to formulate various ways to ensure child safety through her book, Keeping Kids Safe.

The greatest asset after the comprehensive information on the subject matter is its layout. Several relevant terms, such as child sexual abuse, grooming, child sex trafficking, gatekeepers, enablers, grievance cycles, etc., are explained in both brief and comprehensive depth in the book. Readers with different levels of knowledge can all make good use of the book.

The eleven parts are broadly grouped into three categories: planning, discovery, and directions. A checklist at the end of each section will assist the reader in developing an action plan that is tailored to their needs. Because not every reader will be interested in every section, each chapter contains all of the relevant information. As a result, if someone reads the book from cover to cover, certain information may come across as repetitious.

It is difficult for a little child to comprehend what is happening. The first few feelings range from guilt to the fear of family separation or even further physical harm or blackmail. Through this book, the author highlights the importance of enabling children to interpret and communicate about people or situations that make them feel uncomfortable, unsafe, or violated. I agree that the last thing the child needs is to be blamed in any way for the abuse inflicted on them.

The bit about grooming startled me the most. It completes the gap in my comprehension of why the abuser is typically somebody the child or perhaps even the family knows. Child and family grooming, as well as familial interactions with the abuser, can hamper the detection of abuse, with the family being the last to know.

Read about the 'nimby' factor. The indifference of a third party is disturbing. The concepts I read about revenge porn, sexual cyberbullying, and many more are well-thought-out tactics used by the abusers. One should always be alert for signals.

The reading will help us prepare the child to sense and raise an alarm. It will also help adult caregivers stay vigilant and protect the safety of their children. The information provides guidelines for processing disclosures about sexual abuse. The book emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the child's emotional needs over the shock of learning about the disclosure. I concur that providing a sense of protection while assisting them in recovering from the severe and long-term physical, psychological, and emotional consequences is essential.

The book includes a disclaimer that it is not a substitute for professional legal or medical counsel, and the reader is encouraged to consult designated authorities or psychiatrists as needed.

The minor inconsistencies did not distract me in any way. As a result, these errors do not warrant rating reductions. I gave this book five out of five stars because I found nothing negative about it.

The layout is flawless, the content is valuable, and there is ample adaptability to meet different needs. Nearly every aspect of kid safety is covered. Therefore, it will prove an invaluable resource for parents, grandparents, teachers, and front-line workers seeking strategies to raise awareness among kids and guarantee kid-safe areas.

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Keeping Kids Safe
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

The paranoia of adult caregivers is justified given the grooming threat. Understanding the signs is crucial.