Keeping Our Kids Safe: A Latter-Day Saint Perspective

---

After watching the movie "Sound of Freedom", I sat pondering the safety of my children. I was reminded of a haunting statistic: one in four girls experiences some form of abuse before reaching 18. Twenty-seven percent of trafficking victims are children. This grim reality, contrasted with our sacred understanding of family life, calls for an urgent examination of how we can better protect our most precious gifts—our children.

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I value the emphasis our faith places on family, marriage, and children. We believe families are central to God's plan, and this extends to the safety and well-being of our children. In this post, I hope to delve into various facets of child safety—from the physical to the emotional and spiritual—all underpinned by teachings from our faith.

The Teachings of the Church

The Family as a Central Unit

In "The Family: A Proclamation to the World," we're reminded that families are central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children. Our commitment to this divine institution has everyday implications for how we safeguard our children from harm.

One of my favorite general conference talks is "Your Priesthood Playbook". Elder Stevenson of the Twelve provides a wonderful tool to safeguard our young men. I think a playbook is exactly what we need to safeguard our children.

Spiritual Guidance

The principle of personal revelation is foundational in our faith. Parents can seek spiritual guidance in matters relating to their children's safety, whether it's choosing a neighborhood to live in or navigating complex medical decisions. I'll never forget my father using revelation to search and find one of my siblings in a big city. That miracle has stayed with me my whole life.

Scriptural References

Matthew 18:10 cautions us not to "despise one of these little ones," reminding us that their angels always behold the face of God. Our children are divine beings with infinite worth, deserving of our utmost efforts to keep them safe.

Matthew 18:5-6 reminds us of the great blessing of watching out for children and the condemnation for harming them.

Physical Safety

Safe Environment

Creating a physically safe environment is more than just child-proofing your home. Family home evenings can include lessons on fire safety, first aid, and even internet security. Learning these life skills is a family affair that can yield eternal benefits.

Boundaries

Teach children the concept of boundaries—both physical and emotional—from a young age. Whether it's respecting their personal space or understanding when it's okay to say 'no,' setting boundaries is a critical life skill.

Emotional and Spiritual Safety

Open Communication

Our faith encourages open communication among family members. An open line of dialogue not only strengthens family bonds but also allows children to feel comfortable sharing concerns that might relate to their well-being.

Teaching Discernment

By teaching our children how to recognize the Spirit, we empower them with an inner moral compass. This discernment is essential, whether it's choosing friends or navigating potentially harmful situations. With my children, I use two scriptures to explain the spirit. John 15:26 and Galatians 5:22-23. These to scriptures explain the Holy Spirit (Ghost). Then I discuss prayer. I invite my children to pray with me as part of the lesson. Before and following their prayer, I ask them to identify the fruits of the spirit describe in Galatians. To make sure this most important tool is not forgotten, I ask them frequently if they have continued to pray and ask God questions. Most importantly, I ask them if they recognize the Spirit as they pray.

Role of the Church Community

Community plays a significant role in our children's faith. Programs like the Primary organization and youth activities provide additional layers of emotional and spiritual security for our children.

Technology and Media

Responsible Use

We live in a digital age that brings both opportunities and challenges. Directing children towards uplifting content, like family history research on FamilySearch, can provide enriching experiences.

Role of Parents

Monitoring our children's online activities is a parental responsibility that aligns well with our Church teachings. It's an extension of our divine mandate to protect and guide our children toward righteousness. While monitoring software can help, there is not substitute for parents being present for their children. That means putting down our own devices on occasion.

Conclusion

Our children are not just the future of our Church; they are divine beings who have been entrusted to our care in this mortal sojourn. As Latter-Day Saints, we have unique perspectives and resources to ensure their safety—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

I bear my testimony that as we align our efforts with the teachings of the Church and seek divine guidance, we can create a safer, more nurturing environment for our children. May we all be vigilant in safeguarding these precious souls, for they truly are "an heritage from the Lord" (Psalm 127:3).

## Additional Resources:

1. "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" - Official Church Document

2. General Conference Talks on Family and Child Safety

3. Articles from the Ensign Magazine on Parenting and Safety

Thank you for taking the time to read. Let us all take steps today to ensure the safety and well-being of our children.