How many parents in the upstate have even considered that a sex offender might be on the other side of the door when their children ring the bell to trick or treat? A recent news story from WSPA News Channel 7 in Spartanburg, SC put the word out that sex offenders on probation are forbidden to turn on a porch light, have decorations displayed or hand out candy to trick or treaters. But the rule only applies to sex offenders on probation. Those people who have sexual crime convictions, but are no longer on probabtion are permitted to answer the door and literally offer candy to children.
Precautions parents can take to keep children safe from sexual predators on Halloween
A few steps can help parents feel safe and keep children protected from sex offenders while enjoying Halloween.
- Do not let children trick or treat unsupervised: Safe Kids, USA offers a brochure of research statistics concerning Halloween safety as well as a list of safety tips aimed at parents about trick of treating. Statistics report that 12% of parents allow children under the age of 5 to trick or trick without adult supervision.
- Search the sex offender registry: Where will your children be trick or treating? Do sex offenders live in your neighborhood or neighborhoods where your children will be ringing doorbells? Parents can search on the internet for sex offenders by location.
- Discuss safety issues with children: The research findings published by Safe Kids, USA reported that only one-third of parents talk to children every single year about Halloween safety.
Parents can learn more at the Safe Kids, USA website.
Comments