Q: I am taking my three children (ages 10, 7 and 2) to visit family in New York during the winter break. I’ve heard alarming stories about young children being aggressively patted down by (Transportation Security Administration) agents. How can I prevent this from happening to my children?

A: The increased airport security measures with full-body scanners and invasive pat-downs have a lot of travelers worried. While debate continues over whether these measures go too far, passengers are forced to abide by the new rules.

That doesn’t mean travelers — especially those with children — can’t take steps to make the screening process easier.

A TSA spokesman said that children 12 or younger will receive a “modified pat-down” only if extra screening is required.

Such was deemed the case in two incidents involving children caught on video. In one, a 3-year-old is seen screaming, “Stop touching me,” as a female screener pats her down. In a second, a male TSA screener pats down a shirtless 8-year-old boy. In both cases, the officers administered pat-downs only after the children set off the metal detector.

The first step is explaining to children how airport screening works before arriving at the airport. Act out what will happen so they are prepared.

At the airport, have your children empty their pockets and remove their belt, jacket, shoes and anything else metal — including hair barrettes. To simplify the process, have children wear slip-on shoes.

Also, all toys and personal items must be placed on the X-ray conveyor belt. Explain to your children that they will be reunited with the toy shortly. In the above-mentioned case, the 3-year-old tried to walk through the detector with her teddy bear, which set off the alarm.

Then, have each child wait until the agent signals him or her to walk through the metal detector.

The TSA also advises that children who don’t need assistance walk through the detector separately. Should you set off the machine while carrying a child, then the agent will have to screen both of you. Be sure to place any baby carriers or slings on the X-ray belt as either may trigger the metal detector alarm.

Should you or your child be selected for additional screening, it’s important to know your rights. You can request that the screening be conducted in private and that a witness be present.

Even with children younger than 12, a screener will pass the back of his or her hand over the genital area. While few parents are comfortable with this, child psychology experts suggest refraining from showing outrage or distress as this will further alarm your child. Explaining how a pat-down works before arriving at the airport also may make the experience less traumatic for a child.

Have a question of general interest? Send it to Ann Tatko-Peterson at travel@bayareanewsgroup.com.