Currently, child sexual abuse prevention is virtually synonymous with group-based instruction for children on personal safety. It appears that most schools and many afterschool programs provide some form of group-based sexual abuse prevention education. Evaluations of these programs generally conclude that children do learn from the experience, although such learning is neither universal nor comprehensive. Most evaluations measure the child's knowledge but not whether a knowledge gain will lead to a sustained beneficial change in the child's behavior. In an effort to focus on behavior change, child safety programs increasingly use role playing and participant modeling. One concern with personal safety education programs is that they may engender fear and anxiety; research on negative impacts is limited and has produced mixed results. Overall, prevention programs have beneficial impacts, which are strongest for children ages 7-12. Expanded prevention efforts should include public and parent education, life skills training for young adults, support groups for vulnerable children and adults, and intervention for victims and perpetrators. Table and 110 reference notes (Author abstract modified)