The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) compiled this guide for schools, community groups, and individuals who are choosing programs that teach personal safety to children. A task force of eight other organizations contributed to the guide. The guide defines child victimization as sexual abuse and assault, abduction, bullying, and school violence, and then provides background on safety education, including history, schools role in prevention, assumptions of education programs, and goals. The guide next provides characteristics and essential elements of effective programs based on a literature review and the collective experience of the task force. Points mentioned include: targeting of young children, skills acquisition, increased disclosure of inappropriate behavior, avoidance of unnecessary anxiety, theoretical basis, developmental appropriateness, consideration of special needs children, program content and duration, presenters, and modes of presentation. The guide includes a preparation checklist, curriculum scorecard, and program evaluation checklist. A summary research review, endnotes, and addresses of task force members conclude the guide. (KK)