The most important part of the safety of your children is YOU, the parent/caregiver. It is important to practice these rules with children until they become habits. The safest children are those that receive Personal Safety Education and continue to practice the skills at home. The goal is to create confident “thinking” children who are able to act instinctively when a dangerous situation arises.
Telephone
Young children should not answer the phone. There is no “right” age for a child to begin to answer the phone. When you feel confident that your child understands the following rules then he/she is able to answer the phone.
A child should:
• be able to let the answering machine pick up and read caller ID.
• be able to tell the caller, “My parents can’t come to the phone right now. May I take a message?”
• never tell the caller they are home alone.
• be able to tell their parent/caregiver right away about the phone call.
Home alone
Young children should not be left home alone. There is no “right” age for children to take on this responsibility. When you feel confident that your child understands the safety rules and would respond appropriately in an emergency then he/she is able to stay home alone.
A child should:
• know how and when to call 911.
• know never to answer the door.
• Understand the plan of action – to call you and tell you that someone is at the door.
• know who to contact if you are not available.
• should know the safest route and possible safe houses on the way when walking to and from school.
A Parent should:
• Practice skills with the child by playing the What if? Game.
• Talk directly with your child about how they feel about staying home alone.
• Create a schedule for child as to how to spend their time while home alone.
Playground
Young children should not be left alone at the playground. There is no “right” age for children to go to a playground or park without an adult. When you feel confident that your child understands the safety rules they can begin to gain more independence. It is important for you as the parent/caregiver to always be aware of your child’s surroundings.
A child should:
• always have a responsible adult with them.
• never play in unsafe areas (construction zones, alleys, or vacant lots).
• never go to the bathroom without their adult.
An adult should:
• pay careful attention to who is around their child.
• be aware of your general surroundings.
• leave the playground/park if he/she does not feel safe.
• always escort children to the public bathroom.
Shopping
When shopping with your child, follow these helpful safety rules.
A child should:
• always stay close to the supervising adult.
• always be kept in an adults line of vision.
• have a plan of action if they get separated from their adult.
• know to go to a mother with children or the cashier and tell them they are lost from their adult.
Internet Safety Tips
• Place the computer in a central location in the home. (Kitchen, family room)
(Even if it is a lap top)
• Have a “Computer Use Contract” with your children. For specific topics to cover see www.netsmartz.org. or wiredsafety.org
• Remind children (of all ages), not to share personal information on the computer including obvious information such as their name and telephone number, as well as revealing information such as the name of their school or sports team.
• Talk to your children, tweens and teens, about what to do if they come across information, material, or pictures which are inappropriate or make them uncomfortable. (Tell them directly that you want them to come to you with this information.)
• Remind children they should not send pictures of themselves without checking first with their parents.
• Remind children (of all ages) not to share Internet passwords with anyone (this applies to our youngest Internet users on Webkinz!).
• Discuss with your children issues of cyber bullying – if they receive derogatory information aimed at them personally or towards someone else, they should NOT forward this information and must share the information with a trusted adult.
Does your child know?
• If he/she is in danger or lost, call 911.
• If someone wants their help they should ask their trusted adult first.
• To yell if someone approaches them and tells them not to yell.
• To tell an adult if someone does something to them and tells them not to tell.
• To trust their instincts.
• They don’t have to do anything that makes them feel uncomfortable.
Parents, do you know?
• Never leave your child unattended in a car or public place.
• What your child is wearing on a daily basis.
• Your child’s friends and their parents.
• The route your child walks to and from school.
• To carry a current picture of your child with you at all times.
• To always perform background checks on anyone taking care of your child.
• To check online for sex offenders in your area.
• Never put your child’s name on backpacks or clothing.
KidSafe USA Safety Rules at a Glance:
Children should:
• be able to use an assertive voice to say “NO” to anything they are uncomfortable doing.
• use the “Buddy System” with friends and stay close to their adults when they are out.
• how to use the “Check First” rule before they open the door, go out to play, changes plans, or help someone older
• know their private parts are those covered by a bathing suit.
• know the difference between a safe touch and an unsafe touch.
• know the “Yell – Run - Tell” rule and when to use it.
What if????? Game Sample Questions
The What if? Game can be used as an informal way to teach children personal Safety skills. Keep in mind that the game is fun, and should help you to see how your child is processing how to make the safest and smartest choices.
Note: Fear is not an effective teaching tool.
1. What if you are at recess at school and you need to use the bathroom.
a. What do you say? What do you do? (Hint: Buddy System)
2. What if you are out with a friend and their parent and you need to use the bathroom.
a. What do you say what do you do? (Hint: Buddy System)
3. What if you are playing outside your house with a group of friends and a neighbor invites you into their house.
a. What do you say? What do you do? (Hint: Check First with your trusted adult)
4. What if a neighbor (an adult) asks you to help them (bake chocolate chip cookies, carry some bags into the house, etc.).
a. What do you say? What do you do? (Hint: Check First with your trusted adult)
5. What if you are walking to school with a friend and a car pulls up next to you and asks for directions to the school.
a. What do you say? What do you do? (Hint: Adults a child does not know should not be asking a child for help. Yell No! Run and Tell)
6. What if you are home alone and there is a knock at the door.
a. What do you say? What do you do? (Hint: Plan of Action)
7. What if you are at the store with your adult and you want to go see a different section.
a. What do you say? What do you do? (Hint: Check First, Buddy System.)
8. What if you are at a store, or big park, like Disney World, and you get separated from your family, (or on a field trip and get separated).
a. What do you say? What do you do? (Hint: Plan of Action, Personal Information, Accessing Help
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