What every parent or guardian should know!
· Many people look friendly, but if you don’t know them personally they are strangers.
· Strangers can be men, women or even other children. They can be tall or short, old or young, big or little.
2. Keep a recent photo of your child, a copy of your child’s fingerprints, and an updated record of his or her height and weight . Also, make a mental note of what your child is wearing every day.
3. Never mark your child’s clothing, toys, book bag, etc. with his or her first name.
4. Carefully check all baby-sitter references.
5. Never leave small children home alone or unattended in a car or in public.
6. If you must go out without your child, designate a neighbor’s house or apartment as a “safe house” where your child can go in the event of a problem. Tell the neighbor when you’re leaving and when you plan to return.
7. Be sure your child knows his or her name, address, city, state and phone number (including area code). Show him or her how to dial 911 in case of an emergency.
8. Encourage your child to respect his or her body and mind. Explain that he or she has a right to safety and self -respect.
9. Show your child love and attention to help him or her not to be easily swayed by a stranger’s interest. One way of doing this is by taking the time to listen to your child and help him or her feel comfortable discussing sensitive matters with you.
10. If your child is old enough to visit friends on his or her own, be sure that you tell him or her to let you know, “WHERE they are going, WHO they are playing with and WHEN they will return.”
11. Stay involved with your child’s life. The more actively you participate in what your child does, the better chance he or she will have of avoiding strangers, as well as situations involving drugs and gangs.
12. Rehearse possible “stranger” situations with your child so he or she will know how to say “No,” should the real situation ever occur.
Important safety facts that children should know!
¨ Never tell anyone on the phone when you are home alone. Say your parents are busy and you will take a message.
¨ If someone comes to the door, always ask who it is before opening the door. Never open the door for anyone you do not know.
¨ Internet safety is important. Never give out your name, address or personal information to anyone over the internet. Never agree to meet anyone who has contacted you online.
¨ If a stranger offers you a ride you should run away and tell someone, i.e. your parents, your babysitter, the police. Never go near the car. Teach your child a secret code word for emergencies. If the person picking them up does not know the code, do not go with them!
¨ Never wander away from your parents when you are out in public. Try not to panic if you become lost.
¨ Never take anything from a stranger! Say “NO!”
~ Never go near a stranger who is offering you candy or money.
~ Never go with a stranger who says they are looking for a lost pet. These are tricks to get you close to the stranger. Say “NO!” RUNAWAY! Tell your parent or guardian and the police right away.
¨ It is okay to tell someone if they make you feel uncomfortable. Loudly tell them NO!
¨ It is safer to be with a friend or group when you are out in public. Stay near your parent or guardian when you are out. Never wander away alone.