It's OK to Say NO!

These two coloring/activity books for children have been endorsed by representatives of Society's League Against Molestation (Chino, Calif), the Southern California Psychiatric Society, and the Connecticut Sex Offender Program. The books are designed to be attractive to children. Parents are encouraged to work with the child in explaining the content, which is problem oriented and simple. For example, the book states: "When someone asks where you live or what your name is... say 'NO!'... and run home to tell your mom or dad." The goal is to make children understand that they should avoid contact with strangers, thus decreasing the possibility of molestation or sexual abuse. After 12 pages that depict a child reacting to strangers, there are six pages of pleasant scenes in which family members touch children. Although no explanation is given, the child reader might assume that these latter situations are permissible. However, the books may also