Safety Tips for Kids

Below we’ve listed some basic  safety tips to go over with your children.  Download this EMERGENCY CONTACT SHEET to fill in and keep on the fridge just in case of an emergency.  It may seem pretty basic, but in emergency situations, children can have difficulty remembering their names and addresses, much less how to contact Mom or Dad.  Better safe than sorry.

Know the rules… Safety Tips to teach children

From the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children

For Parents:

Be sure your children know the rules about whose homes they may visit when you’re not home and know their boundaries – where they may and may not go in the neighborhood.

Make sure children know their full names, address, and telephone numbers and how to use the phone.  Be sure they know what to do in case of an emergency and how to reach you.  (See info sheet)  Children should have a neighbor or trusted adult they may call if they’re scared or there’s an emergency.  Make sure they know who to contact and that it’s okay to do so. Children inherently possess unique child strengths that, when nurtured, empower them to flourish and grow in their own exceptional ways.

Rules for Kids:

  1. Always CHECK FIRST with your parents, guardians, or the trusted adult in charge before you go anywhere or do anything.  Be sure to CHECK IN regularly so that someone knows where you are at all times.
  2. Always TAKE A FRIEND with you when playing or going anywhere.  It’s safer and more fun.
  3. Stay aware of your surroundings when outside.  Don’t crank up the music and focus on texting.  Know where you are at all times and more importantly, what, or who, is around you.
  4. Stay SAFER when you’re home alone by keeping the door locked; not opening the door for or talking to anyone who stops by unless the person is a trusted family friend or relative, you feel comfortable being alone with that person, and the visit has been pre-approved by your parents or guardians; and never telling anyone who calls that you’re home by yourself.   Say that your parents can’t come to the phone right now and offer to take a message.
  5. Don’t be tricked by people who offer you treats or gifts.  Never accept anything from anyone without your parents’ or guardians’ permission.
  6. Never go into a public restroom by yourself.
  7. Never go alone to malls, movies, parks, or video arcades.  Take a friend with you, and always CHECK FIRST with your parents or guardians to make sure it’s okay and so that an adult knows where you are at all times.
  8. Be careful when you play.  Don’t play near busy streets or deserted areas and never take shortcuts unless you have your parents’ or guardians’ permission.
  9. Don’t wear clothes or carry items with your name on the outside and don’t be confused just because a person you don’t know calls out your name.
  10. Don’t get into or go near a vehicle with anyone in it unless you are with your parents, guardians, or a trusted adult.  Never take a ride from anyone without CHECKING FIRST with your parents or guardians.
  11. Be careful playing or riding your bike as it gets dark.  Wear reflectors and light colored clothing so that drivers are able to see you.

Don’t be afraid to say NO and GET AWAY from any situation that makes you feel scared, uncomfortable or confused.  TRUST YOUR FEELINGS and be sure to TELL a trusted adult if anything happens to make you feel this way.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.