How to Protect Your Child from Pedophiles:
“Warning Signs, Dangers, and Parental Guide”
Beware of Pedophiles: A Wake-Up Call to Every Parent, Teacher, and Guardian
Am, Boluwaji Ojajuni, Educational Counselor, Child Safety Advocate and a passionate teacher
As a professional teacher, counselor, and mentor, I cannot remain silent on this crucial subject—the safety of our children is very important and essential. Every long holiday, many children become vulnerable—not to illness or poverty—but to the silent, soul-damaging plague called pedophilia.
This article is not just a guide; it is a home lecture every father and mother must deliver, not with fear, but with wisdom and urgency. I write this as someone who sees firsthand how many children suffer in silence—wounded not by strangers, but by people they trust around their environment and neighborhood. When it come to this topic as a parent please trust nobody but be vigilant and sensitive.
What Is Pedophilia?
Pedophilia is a psychiatric disorder in which an adult or older adolescent feels a primary or exclusive sexual attraction toward children. It is unnatural, criminal, and deeply destructive.
Who Is a Child?
A child is anyone under the age of 18. As guardians, we must remember that children are gifts from God—innocent souls entrusted into our care. Protecting them from harm, especially sexual abuse, is one of our highest callings.
What Is Child Molestation?
Child molestation (or child sexual abuse) includes any sexual act between an adult and a child, ranging from defilement to indecent exposure.
🔍 Types of Molestation Include:
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Rape
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Defilement
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Fondling or fingering
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Indecent touching
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Showing pornography to children
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Exposing one’s genitals to a child
Who Can Abuse Your Child?
ANYBODY.
Research shows that over 95% of sexually abused children are harmed by someone they know. These predators hide in plain sight:
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Family members (uncles, cousins, stepfathers)
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Domestic staff (maids, drivers, security)
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Teachers, neighbors, lesson tutors
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Even trusted friends and clergy
Please don’t ever say, “It can’t happen in my home.” Every single example you can imagine has already happened somewhere.
What Causes Child Sexual Abuse?
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Parental Negligence & Distraction
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Uninformed Children
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Careless Exposure to Indecent Media
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Indecent Dressing
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Absentee Parenting
One heartbreaking case involved a girl carrying a baby fathered by her own biological father. It began right under their roof.
Where Can Abuse Happen?
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In their bedroom or yours
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At school – in the class, bathroom, or hostel
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At home – during sleepovers, visits
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During family events or parties
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Even while you’re watching TV together
5 minutes is enough to damage a life forever.
How Do Abusers Trap Children?
1. Grooming
Building emotional trust with the child and sometimes with the family to lower the child’s guard.
2. Baiting
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Emotional attention
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Gifts or treats
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Financial support
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Familiarity and respect
They earn the child’s trust to manipulate and silence them.
Signs of a Potential Abuser
Be alert if someone:
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Is overly eager to be alone with your child
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Always offers to help “watch over” your child
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The child seems afraid or uncomfortable around them
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The child avoids going to them or becomes silent when their name is mentioned
What Should Parents & Guardians Do?
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Have open conversations. Regularly talk to your children about personal safety.
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Teach the SRR Rule:
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S – Shout/Scream
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R – Run
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R – Report
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Establish trust. Let your children know that nothing they say will make you stop loving or believing them.
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Set boundaries. Separate siblings’ rooms if necessary. Don’t let children watch adult content or see inappropriate acts between adults.
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Observe their behavior. Sudden silence, fear, or withdrawal can be warning signs.
What Abusers Tell Children to Silence Them
“You’ll die if you tell anyone.”
“No one will believe you.”
“Your mummy will hate you.”
“I will kill your parents.”
“It’s our secret blood covenant.”
Don’t let threats or fear control your child’s silence. Empower them with truth.
Final Words From a Counselor’s Heart
If you’re reading this, you have a responsibility. Talk to your children. Watch them. Pray for them. And protect them fiercely.
To every father reading this:
Call your children together. Speak as a leader and protector.
To every mother:
Sit with your daughters. Talk heart-to-heart. Warn them. Empower them.
To every teacher, guidance counselor, and spiritual leader:
Use your influence to educate and shield the young ones in your care.
Together, we can raise a generation that is aware, strong, and safe.
Share This Message
Don’t keep this knowledge to yourself. Share this article with fellow parents, educators, and leaders. Let’s create a safety network of awareness, vigilance, and action.
Children are not just our future. They are our now. And they deserve to be safe.
Author: [Boluwaji Ojajuni]
Child Safety Advocate | Educator | Counselor
✅ Follow me on Facebook/ YouTube for more parenting tips, safety education, and guidance counseling support.
