Safety habits to practice with your kids

Recent police crime statistics show that kidnappings remain a real problem across SA. According to the third quarter crime statistics, 3 975 people were kidnapped between October 1 and December 31, 2023.

“As parents and caregivers, we must empower our children. We must equip them with the knowledge and the skills to deal with any crises, including being kidnapped.

“While we certainly don’t want to live in fear, we need to have frank conversations about what to do when things go wrong,” explains Charnel Hattingh, the group head of communications and marketing for the Fidelity Services Group.

“There are simple actions which can often keep a child or young adult safe,” she explains.

Teach your children:
• They must always walk to or from school with a friend or friends. Stick to streets they know, never take shortcuts through quiet areas or empty parking lots, and never walk with cellphones and iPads in full view.

• If they get picked up at school, they should never leave the premises but always wait inside the school grounds for their lift to arrive.

• Children, especially younger ones, must never get into a stranger’s car, even if the stranger claims someone they love is hurt and they were sent to pick them up. Remind them that you would never send someone they don’t know to fetch them.

• Consider using a password system. If the person coming to collect you from school cannot repeat the password you and your child agreed on, they should not get into the car but immediately ask for help.

• If a stranger approaches your child, they should not talk to them, no matter how friendly they seem. If someone tries to grab them, they must fight, kick and shout.

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• If your child encounters suspicious activity, encourage them to get a good look and memorise the physical details, clothing, and the vehicle they are in. Listen for any names or other information that might help identify them later.

• Ensure your children memorise their full names, address, and phone number. Using a play phone, teach them when and how to dial 10111. If they are older, they should have some emergency numbers programmed into their phone or consider downloading a safety app on their phone.

Advice for older children and students:
• Older children should be reminded to always keep their valuables out of sight and not to use headphones because this will dampen their ability to sense their surroundings. “The more you cut your senses off, the easier it becomes for someone to take you by surprise. Stay alert,” says Hattingh.

• Alter their route: If they walk home or to public transport, they must alter their route. Even if it takes longer, always use a route that is well-lit and populated with houses and other walkers instead of taking shortcuts through less friendly areas. If you feel threatened and are in a familiar neighbourhood, you can knock on someone’s door for help.

• If you use a taxi service, ensure it is a bona fide service provider.

• Be extra cautious when meeting anyone who befriends you on social media. Always meet in a public place with two or three friends as backup.

• Be cautious about being lured by people offering you a job or modelling contract. Remember, safety in numbers.

“We cannot be with our children at all times. Use these tips to give them the know-how to avoid dangerous situations while knowing what to do if things go wrong,” says Hattingh.

She also urges parents and caregivers to report missing children to the police immediately and not to waste time.

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