A cop who makes a speciality of child sex crime has gone viral after sharing the strict rules she has for her own kids with a view to keep them protected from pedophiles.
Terra Avilla, who goes by the user name thegirlcop on TikTok, commonly shares informative content regarding child abuse and domestic violence.
However the mom of three’s latest advice really got people talking, as she detailed the five things her kids are banned from doing for their very own protection over two videos.
Avilla, who relies in Connecticut, said while a few of the suggestions may be “surprising,” they were based on years of on-the-job experience.
And consequently, her top rule was to forbid her kids from attending sleepovers.
“I get numerous hate for this,” she said in her first video, but explained the favored activity was not definitely worth the risk.
“You don’t know who’s there, or who could slip in throughout the night,” she added.
Number two was barring her kids from using Snapchat, given the high variety of predators that use the favored app to prey on young victims.
She also revealed the app was especially dangerous as a users location could be viewed, and since children mistakenly believed photos sent over the platform can be permanently deleted.
“Nothing good comes from this app,” was her bleak assessment of Snapchat.
Thirdly, the officer said she never forces her children to hug and kiss anybody – including family and friends.
She said it was vital that children understand only they’ll consent to physical contact.
“I do know that sounds really mean but it surely’s their body and in the event that they don’t want to offer a hug goodbye then they’ve the precise to do this and to set boundaries,” she said.
The primary three rules attracted an outpouring of interest, inspiring her to share a follow up clip.
Within the second video, she said secrets were outlawed in her household.
“There’s a giant difference between having a secret and keeping a surprise. Kids must learn that an outdoor adult shouldn’t be telling a toddler to maintain a secret,” she said, but added the caveat that it was acceptable to maintain a secret for a friend if it could keep them protected from harm.
And lastly, she said she won’t allow her children to make use of “silly names for his or her private parts,” insisting they use the right anatomical terms.
That way, it’s easier to clarify a situation to authorities if something does ever go mistaken.
The videos were flooded with comments, with countless parents expressing their gratitude for the security list.
“Pediatric ER doctor child safety expert and mum here, and I agree with every a part of this,” one TikTok user wrote, while one other added: “I feel the identical about sleepovers, never gonna occur.”
