Safety
Tips for Parents on Child Safety
Reassure children you will do everything in your power to protect them and keep them safe, along with letting them know that there are things they can do, too, to keep themselves safe.
Talk to children about what to do if they get lost.
· Who can they turn to?
· Who can they ask for help?
· What if someone offers them a ride home?
· What to do if they think someone is following them.
What to do if someone approaches them and tells them you've been in a horrific accident and you've sent them to give your child a ride to the hospital to be with you?
What to do if someone they know and trust harms them? (Be sure the child understands what the word ‘trust’ means.)
Even though children may have been raised that it was disrespectful to say "no" to an adult, let them know now it's okay to not only say "no" to a grown-up, but to shout it as loud as possible if need be.
Children know the world isn't always safe and they need reassurance that leading a cautious life does not mean living a life in fear.
Talk to children about what to do if they get lost.
· Who can they turn to?
· Who can they ask for help?
· What if someone offers them a ride home?
· What to do if they think someone is following them.
What to do if someone approaches them and tells them you've been in a horrific accident and you've sent them to give your child a ride to the hospital to be with you?
What to do if someone they know and trust harms them? (Be sure the child understands what the word ‘trust’ means.)
Even though children may have been raised that it was disrespectful to say "no" to an adult, let them know now it's okay to not only say "no" to a grown-up, but to shout it as loud as possible if need be.
Children know the world isn't always safe and they need reassurance that leading a cautious life does not mean living a life in fear.
Bullying
Bullying (in PDF)
Downloadable Policy on bullying that provides a definition as well as guidance on how to handle investigation and reporting on bullying incidents
Downloadable Policy on bullying that provides a definition as well as guidance on how to handle investigation and reporting on bullying incidents
Additional Links
- www.mcgruff.org
- http://www.mcgruff.org/Advice/stranger_danger.php
- http://www.sandiego.gov/police/prevention/crimeprev/cpbook.pdf (coloring book)
- http://www.fbi.gov/fbikids.htm
- http://atozteacherstuff.com/pages/429.shtml
- http://www.projectsafekids.org/prevention.html
- http://childcare.about.com/od/childsafet1/qt/strangerdanger.htm
- http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/PublicHomeServlet?LanguageCountry=en_US
Stranger Awareness
In the year 2000, there were almost 900,000 missing persons in the United States, and since 85-90% of these are children, that is almost 750,000 missing children last year or about 2,100 a day. Although many of these children are runaways, taken by a non-custodial parent or are found within several hours, about 100 missing children each year are murdered. Although many parents teach their children 'Don't talk to strangers,' that isn't always enough.
Does your child know what a 'stranger' is? Ask him. You might be surprised by his answer. Many younger children think that a stranger is someone that looks 'strange', and not just someone that they don't know. Point out somebody at the store that you don't know and ask your child if it is a stranger.
It is also important to teach your children about stranger awareness. You should review scenarios that predators may use, including offering candy or toys to get in the car, asking to help look for a lost pet, or being told they are picking your child up because you are sick. These online comic books from McGruff.com review what to do when a stranger asks if you need a ride or asks for directions. Also encourage your kids to use a buddy system when they go anywhere. Even if they are walking to school, playing outside, or shopping at the mall, your children should know to always have a friend or family member with them.
Does your child know what to do if he is approached by a stranger? Does he know a safe place to go? It is also a good idea to review plans of what your child can do if he is approached by a stranger or someone that makes him uncomfortable. He should know to yell 'NO' and run to a safe place. Other tips to keep your children safe include teaching them:
their full name, phone number and address
not to open the door when they are home alone
Does your child know what a 'stranger' is? Ask him. You might be surprised by his answer. Many younger children think that a stranger is someone that looks 'strange', and not just someone that they don't know. Point out somebody at the store that you don't know and ask your child if it is a stranger.
It is also important to teach your children about stranger awareness. You should review scenarios that predators may use, including offering candy or toys to get in the car, asking to help look for a lost pet, or being told they are picking your child up because you are sick. These online comic books from McGruff.com review what to do when a stranger asks if you need a ride or asks for directions. Also encourage your kids to use a buddy system when they go anywhere. Even if they are walking to school, playing outside, or shopping at the mall, your children should know to always have a friend or family member with them.
Does your child know what to do if he is approached by a stranger? Does he know a safe place to go? It is also a good idea to review plans of what your child can do if he is approached by a stranger or someone that makes him uncomfortable. He should know to yell 'NO' and run to a safe place. Other tips to keep your children safe include teaching them:
their full name, phone number and address
not to open the door when they are home alone