SAPS Newcastle urges parents to help keep their children safe in public spaces. Here are some tips parents can instil in their children about strangers, a buddy system, keeping a safe distance, and fighting back:

These tips can keep you safe

• Know your full name, your parents’ names, your address(es) and phone number(s)
• Tell your parents about things that make you feel scared, uncomfortable or sad
• Know the difference between a good secret and a bad secret. A good secret is fun to keep, such as a surprise party. A bad secret feels bad to keep and makes you feel sad
• Strangers: Never tell strangers your name or where you live
• Buddy system: Make sure there’s more than one of you (be in groups of two or more) and avoid walking or playing alone outside or in public places
• Scream “NO”, run and tell: Screaming and running are better safety ideas than trying to hide. If a stranger approaches you, run to where there are trusted adults and tell them what happened
• Keep a safe distance: Approximately three arm lengths from strangers and strangers’ cars, even if a stranger seems friendly. Run in the direction opposite to which the stranger’s car is travelling
• Fight back: It is okay to scream and fight. Do anything to get the stranger to let go. Screaming is the most important thing you can do, especially screaming “NO!”, “HELP!” or “DANGER!” to get an adult’s attention
• Home safety: Keep all the doors and windows locked when you are at home alone. Go to a neighbour and call 10111 if a window is broken or if the door is open when you get home
• Doorbell safety: Answer the door by asking “Who is it?” Never say that you are alone and never open the door when you are alone, unless it is someone your parents told you to expect
• Phone safety: Never say that you are alone when a stranger calls. You can say “Mom/Dad cannot come to the phone now. Can I take a message?”

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