PARENTS:

• The Parent is the best person to teach a child about personal safety
• There is no perfect age when parents should begin teaching children about personal safety.
• A Child’s Ability to comprehend and practice safety skills is affected by age, educational and developmental levels.

Listen to your children

• Know there daily activities and habits.
• Listen to what they like and what they don’t like.
• Encourage open communication. Let your children know they can talk to you about any situation.
• Reassure your children that their safety is your number one concern.

Teach your children:

• Set boundaries about places they may go, people they may see, and things they may do.
• Reinforce the importance of a “buddy system”
• It’s OK to say No – tell your children to trust their instincts.
• That when adults tell them it is a secret between them then they need to let parents know.

Get involved:

• Know where your children are at all times.
• Your Children should check in with you if there is a change in plans
• Children need your attention and supervision at all times.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP YOUR CHILD

Tips for Parents to help their children stay safe:

SAFETY AT HOME:

• Children should know their full name, phone number, and how to use the telephone. Post your contact information where your children will see it: Office numbers, cell #s etc.
• Second person to contact in case of emergency.
• Choose Babysitters with care. Obtain references from family friends and neighbours. Once you have chosen the caregiver, drop in unexpectedly to see how your children are doing. Ask your children how they experience the Caregiver / baby sitter and listen to their responses.

SAFETY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD:

• Make a list with your children of their neighborhood boundaries
• Interact regularly with your neighbors. Tell your children whose homes they are allowed to visit.
• Don’t drop your children off alone at malls, Parks, Movies.
• Teach your children that adults should not approach children for help or direction.
• Tell your children that if they are approached by an adult, they should stay alert because it could be a trick.
• Don’t leave children unattended / alone in a car.
• Children should not travel alone or take a taxi if they do not know the person.
• Children should never go anywhere with anyone without getting your permission first.
• Don’t let children sit on peoples laps.

SAFETY AT SCHOOL:

• Be careful when you put your Child’s Name on the outside of the backpack. The abductor may call him on his name.
• Walk the route to and from school with your children, pointing out landmarks and safe places to go tit her being followed or need help.
• Avoid short cuts and lanes that is isolated.

WHAT YOUR CHILD CAN DO:

• I know my name, address, telephone number and parents name and cell no.
• Tell my parents where I will be going.
• Check with my parents or trusted adult before I accept anything from anyone even from someone I know.
• I will always take a friend with me when I go places or play outside.
• I say NO if someone tries to touch me or treat me in a way that makes me feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused.
• It’s OK to say NO I know that there will always be someone who can help me.
• I know that I can TELL my parents or a trusted adult if I feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused.
• I am STRONG, SMART, and have the right to be SAFE.

WHAT YOUR TEEN CAN DO:

• DON’T GO OUT ALONE. There is safety in numbers.
• Always tell an adult where you are going. If you are faced with a risky situation your parents will know where you are.
• SAY NO IF YOU FEEL THREATENED. If someone touches in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable, you have the right to say no. Whether it is pressure about sex, drugs or doing something that you know is wrong, be strong and stand your ground.

YOUNG PERSON COULD BE AT RISK:

• Not attending school or classes
• Becoming Secretive
• Not spending time with family and close friends
• Unexplained money or gifts.
• Being seen in cars of older people.