Four tips to keep your kids safe while walking home
Children should always walk with a friend or in a group and never use short cuts in quiet areas and empty parking lots
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PARENTS with children who walk to school by themselves can keep a little calmer this year with a few safety tips from ADT Security.
Clive Humphrey, managing director of ADT Security Central Region, has offered some advice to parents of learners travelling to and from school alone without supervision from adults.
“Share these tips with your children and encourage them to use them every day,” Humphrey said.
1. They must always walk to or from school with a friend or friends. Tell your children to stick to streets they know and never take short cuts through quiet areas or empty parking lots.
2. 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.
3. They must never get into a stranger’s car; even if the stranger claims that someone they love is hurt and that they are supposed to pick them up. Remind them that you would never send someone they don’t know to fetch them.
4. If a stranger approaches them, they should not talk to them no matter how friendly they may seem. If someone tries to grab them, they need to fight, kick and scream that the person is not their mom or dad.
Unfortunately, some families can’t afford to hire a nanny or a driver to take children to and from school; and in some situations, children will have to look after themselves at home after school before the parents come home.
Therefore, it is crucial that parents teach their children how to use all alarm systems and panic buttons, as well as the numbers to call for emergencies.
“Also make a list of important telephone numbers, such as the emergency services and mom and dad’s work and cell phone numbers. Stick it on or near the telephone and explain when these should be used.
“Emphasise how important it is not to let anyone into the house without your permission. If you are going to be late, let your children know as soon as possible and give them an idea of when they can expect you to be home,” Humphrey added.
