GENERAL
SAFETY RULES TO TEACH YOUR CHILDREN
If kids know some of the tricks predators use to lure them,
they can be better prepared if a potentially dangerous situation
arises. Parents should set aside a few hours to work with your
child or children to teach them some easy rules that may just
save their life!
When to start teaching kids about this type of safety issue
depends on the development level of the child. Some children
can comprehend the need for safety and rules at a very early
age while others may need a different approach to understand
the same message. Keep in mind that the idea is not to scare
your child or make them afraid of the world around them. The
reality is most people are good and would do nothing to hurt
them. The idea is to empower your child to make the right decision
at a critical time.
Fear is simply not knowing what to do…teach your children
what to do so that they can be kids and enjoy that wonderful
time of life. Creating open lines of communication and a family
action plan will help tremendously. Below is a chart of safety
rules; practice them with your child regularly.
By teaching your child these simple rules you can help eliminate
opportunities for predators that may try to victimize your child.
If a child has a plan and knows how to react in potentially
dangerous situations, then they won’t be faced with a
decision of “Is this a good person who wants to help me,
or a bad person that may hurt me?” Instead, they simply
know that if this is the situation, this is how I react. Your
child should also know that it’s okay to say no to an
adult or to anyone if he or she feels uncomfortable or frightened.
Make sure your children know that their safety is the most important
thing!
SAFETY
TIPS FOR KIDS
REVIEW
THESE SAFETY RULES CAREFULLY with your child. Practice different
scenarios to educate your child on how to recognize and react
to potentially dangerous situations.
1.
Always tell your parents or an adult where you are going,
how you are getting there, and with whom you are going.
2. Buddy System – When you go somewhere, always try
to go with a partner or buddy.
3. Open communication – Tell your parents or someone
you trust if someone is touching you in a way that makes you
feel uncomfortable, especially the parts of your body that
a bathing suit would cover.
4. Learn to say NO – Remember, it is ok to say “NO!”
when someone is making you feel uncomfortable, even if it’s
an adult, a family member, or a teacher. It’s okay to
be rude to an adult who makes you suspicious or uncomfortable.
5. Don’t keep secrets. You can keep promises (like not
telling mom what dad got her for Christmas!), but don’t
keep secrets, especially if an adult asks you to keep a secret
from your parents.
6. Family code word – Have a family code word that only
you and your family knows. If someone is sent by your parents
to pick you up they must know the code word or you don’t
go with them.
7. Never open the door to anyone if you are home alone.
8. Phone Safety – Never answer the phone and tell the
caller that you are home alone. Remember, its ok to fib when
it helps keep you safe.
9. Know all of your information – Make sure you know
your full name, address, and telephone number.
10. Learn about 911 – Make sure you know how to dial
911 on a phone.
11. I’m lost – If you are lost in the mall, store,
or festival stop where you are and DO NOT GO ANYWHERE WITH
ANYONE. Chances are your parents will locate you quicker than
you trying to find them.
12. Permission always first – Don’t ever get in
a car with someone without your parents’ permission.
13. Learn how to escape – If someone wants you to get
in his or her car, run in the opposite direction that the
car is pointing. Even if the person has a gun or a knife,
RUN!
14. Scream for attention – If someone grabs you, fight,
kick, punch, scream, bite…do everything you can to escape.
Scream “FIRE! FIRE!” or “This is not my
father (mother)!”
15. Adults don’t need a child’s help – If
an adult asks for your help, they may be trying to trick you
into going with them. Some tricks they use are, “I’m
lost, can you give me directions?” or “I’ve
lost my puppy (or kitten). Can you help me find him?”
16. Avoid nametags – Don’t wear clothes or carry
a backpack with your name on the outside.
17. Always be aware of your surroundings and the people around
you. Try to avoid anything or anyone that makes you feel nervous
or uncomfortable.
18. Don’t take shortcuts off the regular path. For example,
avoid alleys, wooded areas, and construction sites.
19. Ask first – If you’re not absolutely sure
about something or someone, check with your parents first.
20. Believe your instincts – Trust your feelings. If
something or someone seems scary, trust your feelings, and
go somewhere safe.
This
information is provided by Child Rescue Network. For more information,
contact them at
1-877-209-KIDS(5437) or www.ChildRescueNetwork.org.
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