How safe are your children?

With the new school year already underway, parents or guardians must take responsibility for their children and ensure their safety at all times. Keep an open line of communication and trust between parents and children; their school and know your children’s friends. Here are some more tips to keeping your little ones safe:

Be a good example and teach your children:

•  basic safety rules and to follow the rules and instructions well;
•  to trust the police and that they are their friends, but also to ask for identification cards;
•  to only approach uniformed police officials and /or marked police cars;
•  never approach a vehicle unless they are absolutely sure they know the occupants;
•  never to accept a lift from strangers;
•  not to talk to adults they do not know;
•  never to accept sweets, money or ice cream from a stranger;
•  to always let you know where they are;
•  to avoid giving your home telephone numbers to strangers;
•  to walk to and from school and bus stops groups;
•  to stay close to you, especially at swimming pools, beaches or busy shopping centres;
•  not to wander off, and not to take short cuts through alleys or deserted areas ; and
•  not to hitch-hike.

“Parents must be observant, so that they can identify any abnormal behaviour from their children. When you go to crowded public places such as shopping malls or beaches, ensure that your child /children has your telephone number with them in case they get lost,” said Captain Magudulela.

When home alone

For children to be less vulnerable in dangerous situations they must:

•  not be left alone at home or elsewhere where they can become susceptible to abuse, alcohol and drugs;
•  be taught how to give directions to your home in case of emergency;
•  be taught to carry a house key with them in a safe place. Don’t leave it under a mat or on a ledge outside the house; and
•  be taught never to let a caller at the door or phone know that they are alone.

Teach children to say “Mom or Dad can’t come to the phone or door right now.”

Children must-

•  Be taught to keep the door and windows locked;
• Know their parents and police’s telephone numbers;
•  Know their home street address; and
• Know that its OK to say ‘No’ when they are faced with uncomfortable situations;

If threatened or in an emergency, teach children to respond appropriately-

They should-

• run away
• yell loudly
• tell you exactly what is happening

At all times, your children should be aware of their surroundings and the home security systems. Put rules in place and enforce them regularly, so that your children know that the consequences for not listening to you can be dangerous.

“Parents must be observant, so that they can identify any abnormal behaviour from their children. When you go to crowded public places such as shopping malls or beaches, ensure that your child /children has your telephone number with them in case they get lost,” said Captain Shooz Magudulela of the Newcastle Police.