Child Safety Tips
The most important key to child safety is effective communication with your child.
We maybe sending a confusing message to our children by teaching them Stranger Danger. Children may not understand the term STRANGER. Most children will describe a stranger as someone who is ugly or mean. They don't perceive nice looking
or friendly people as strangers.
Experience has shown us that most children are actually taken by someone they are familiar with. If someone talks to a child or is even around them once, that person loses their stranger status.
A clear, calm, and reassuring message about situations and actions to lookout for is easier for a child to understand than a particular profile or image of a stranger.
Many Crimes committed Against Children Can Be Prevented.
Here are some situations to talk to your child about.
If someone in a vehicle follows you, stay away from him or her and run in the opposite direction.
Grownups should not be asking children for help. They should be asking other grownups.
If someone is following you on foot, run away as fast as you can.
If someone tried to grab you, make a scene and make every effort to get away by kicking, screaming, and resisting.
If someone wants to take your picture, tell them NO.
No one should be asking you for directions or asking you to help look for something like a “lost puppy.”
If someone tells you that your mother or father is in trouble and he or she will take you to them, do not go.
If you are in a public place and you get separated from your parents or guardian, don’t wander around looking for them. Go to a uniformed police officer or a store employee with a name tag,
You should not get into a vehicle and go anywhere with any person unless your parent or guardians have told you it is okay to do so on that day.
You have the right to say NO to someone who tries to take you somewhere, touch you, or makes you feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused in any way.
You should always take a friend with you when you go places.
No one should touch you on parts of your body that would be covered by a bathing suit, nor should you touch anyone else in those areas. Your body is special and private.
If any of these things happens to your child make sure they know to immediately tell a trusted adult.
As Parents or Guardians it is important to remember
Speak openly with about safety issues with your child. Children will be less likely to come to you if the issue is enshrouded in secrecy.
Children can be raised to be polite and friendly, but they need to know that it is okay to say NO, even to an adult.
Parents and guardians should explain to children that the child’s personal safety is more important than being polite.
Kids need to be empowered with positive messages and safety skills that will build their self-esteem and self-confidence while helping to keep them safe.
If your child does share a situation with you, strive to remain calm, non-critical, and non-judgmental.
Call police immediately if your child has been a victim.
NOTE-As soon as children can articulate a sentence, they can begin the process of learning how to protect themselves against abduction and exploitation.
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