How to talk to kids about Jared Fogle, in 7 questions
As Subway’s one-man brand for years, Jared Fogle became a popular and recognizable figure in our culture.
Now the story of Fogle, who admitted to having sex with minors and distributing and receiving child pornography, provides local parents and guardians an opportunity to hold important conversations with their children about inappropriate touching and sexual assault.
Dr. Catherine Sherwood-Laughlin, a clinical professor and assistant chairperson at the School of Public Health at Indiana University Bloomington, has worked with kids and teenagers around sexuality issues.
She answered a few questions for The Star. The answers have been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.
1. SHOULD WE TALK TO KIDS ABOUT JARED FOGLE?
Sherwood-Laughlin: If they ask, then yes it's okay to talk about it because they may think this could happen to them. They are scared. They may ask why he is being arrested, what did he do. It is important to address their questions and alleviate their fears but also to inform them about appropriate and inappropriate behaviors between adults and children.
2. HOW EARLY IS TOO EARLY TO TALK TO CHILDREN ABOUT THIS?
Sherwood-Laughlin: As soon as children start learning about their bodies, naming body parts, which parts of our bodies are private, who is allowed to touch their bodies (e.g. parents giving their children a bath, potty training, health care providers doing examinations in their offices). These messages need to be discussed and reinforced throughout a child's life based on their developmental age and maturity level.
3. WHAT SHOULD WE SAY TO THEM?
Sherwood-Laughlin: We talk to kids based on their developmental capabilities. By age 3 to 5, children begin to understand privacy, and the difference between good and bad, and know who are trusted adults they can talk to and ask questions. A great resource for developmental age appropriate conversations is www.advocatesforyouth.org/growth-and-development-psec.
4. DO WE USE THE SAME LANGUAGE WHEN TALKING TO BOYS AND GIRLS?
Sherwood-Laughlin: Yes, the messages are the same. It's about who to trust and why, it's about asking questions, it's about protecting their bodies and privacy.
5. WHAT PREDATOR SIGNS SHOULD WE TELL CHILDREN TO BE AWARE OF?
Sherwood- Laughlin: Be cautious of strangers who ask to see their bodies or touch their private parts. It's important for adults and parents to explain to their children who they can trust and who they cannot. I realize it's not as clear as we would like as there are family members or friends who we should be able to trust, but we do not always know what they are doing that is illegal.
6. HOW SHOULD PARENTS ACT WHEN HAVING THESE CONVERSATIONS?
Sherwood-Laughlin: Calm, honest, open, approachable, informed.
7. WHO SHOULD WE TELL THEM TO TALK TO IF THEY HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
Sherwood-Laughlin: Pediatrician, family doctor, other health care providers such as social workers, nurses, faith-based professionals, teachers, other trusted adults who have experience with child sexual abuse.
Call Star reporter Olivia Lewis at (317) 444-6126. Follow her on Twitter: @TheWrittenPeace.
RESOURCES FOR VICTIMS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT AND ABUSE:
Eskenazi Health Center of Hope
(317) 880-8006 or (317) 880-9189
720 Eskenazi Ave., Indianapolis
www.eskenazihealth.edu/our-services/emergency-department/Center-of-HopePediatric Center of Hope at Riley Hospital for Children
(317) 944-5000 (for medical evaluations) or (317) 692-2378 (for crisis counseling services)
705 Riley Hospital Drive, Indianapolis
www.iuhealth.org/riley/for-patients-and-families/education/sexual-abuseThe Julian Center
Crisis Line: (317) 920-9320
2011 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis
www.juliancenter.orgAlternatives Inc.
(765) 643-0200
Crisis Line: (866) 593-9999
www.alternativesdv.orgPrevail
(317) 773-6942
Crisis Line: (317) 776-3472
1100 South 9th St., Suite 100, Noblesville
www.prevailofhamiltoncounty.com