Kasselman Security Services sent the following safety tips for children walking to and from school.
• Parents and their children should plan a route together, whatever the child’s age.
Walk the route with your child to make sure it is safe.
Discuss avoiding hazardous shortcuts that might take them out of public view.
• Always stick to the same route.
Children in groups are generally safer than alone. Encourage children to walk with friends to and from school.
• Be observant as you walk and aware of your surroundings.
If you think you are being followed, you can cross the street.
If a stranger in a car asks you questions, don’t get close to the car (you could get pulled in) and never get in it.
• Remember, a stranger is anyone you and your parents don’t know or don’t know well.
• If you think you are in danger, yell ‘Help’ and run to the nearest store or back to school.
• Establish clear rules for play after school and review them regularly.
• Children should report suspicious behaviours or threats by other learners to a teacher or counsellor.
• Help children learn how to manage anger effectively. Teach them to settle disagreements with words and not with their fists.
• Respect others and their belongings.
Refuse to bully others or steal personal property.
• Look for warning signs of a troubled child.
Parents should listen to and talk with their children regularly to find out what is happening at school, both in and out of the classroom.
• Talk to your children about their day.
Ask them children if they see anyone bullied, if they are bullied, or if anything else makes them feel uncomfortable.
Look for warning signs of bullying, such as a sudden drop in grades, loss of friends, or torn clothing.
• Parents should get to know their child’s friends and their friends’ parents.
