WLOX Editorial: Give kids the knowledge to help keep them safe - WLOX.com - The News for South Mississippi

WLOX Editorial: Give kids the knowledge to help keep them safe

Posted: Updated:

Erin Merryn was sexually abused at the hands of a neighbor and then a cousin. She was just six years old when the abuse began. Now at 27 she is an advocate for Erin's Law. That measure would put age appropriate curriculum for K through 5th graders in schools to teach them the meaning of sexual abuse and who to tell.

Committees in our state senate and house are considering similar versions of Erin's Law. It is an important piece of legislation.  In 2010 alone, 997 Mississippi children were sexually abused just like Erin. 

Each year in America, one in four girls and one in six boys are abused before the fifth grade. And 90 percent of those victims know their attackers.

Critics say the state should not get involved in raising our children. But, the measure includes an opt out action for parents who don't want their children to be taught this lesson.

Erin's law hopefully could make a difference and give our children the power to not become victims. Call your state lawmakers today and let them know that they should support Erin's Law. You can find your senator's information here http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/members/s_roster.pdf  and your representative's information here http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/members/h_roster.pdf.

There's nothing more precious than our children. They are our future and we need to give them the knowledge to help keep them safe.

That's our opinion, we would like to hear yours. Email your thoughts to editorials@wlox.com, or post your comments below.

Rick Williams
WLOX-TV General Manager

Copyright 2013 WLOX. All rights reserved.