Safety Tips for Kids
As our kids get older, there is more of a risk that they will meet with a stranger, in person or online. As parents, we need to teach our children about safety and what to do in certain situations. Here are some simple but important safety tips for children.
At Play
- Anyone you do not know well is a stranger, even some people you see regularly. For example, the postman is still a stranger.
- If a stranger comes up to you, scream “no” as loud as you can and run to a familiar adult.
- Avoid walking and playing anywhere alone. Always use the buddy system when going out in public without a parent or guardian.
- Stay at least three arm-lengths away from strangers. Keep away from cars you do not know.
At Home
- If you are home alone, keep all the doors and windows shut and locked.
- Answer the door by asking who it is through the shut door. Do not open the door if you are alone and never reveal that you are home alone. If the person asks for your parents, tell them your parents are busy.
- Let the answering machine answer calls if you are alone. If you must answer the phone, do not let a stranger know your parents are not at home with you. Say that they cannot come to the phone and ask if you can take a message.
Online
- Never give out personal information such as your last name, address, phone number or your school’s name.
- Do not e-mail personal pictures to people you do not know.
- If you have friends online, do not make plans to meet them in person. People can be different, or even not who they say they are. If you do want to meet with a friend, have a parent make the plans for you and accompany you for the meet-up.