Prevention
always starts at home.
Use the following tips to help educate
children on safety and awareness.
CHILDREN SHOULD BE TAUGHT TO:
Know his/her full name, as well as your name, address
and telephone number, including area code.
Children should know how to use the telephone.
Never say they're alone when answering the phone -
instead, offer to take a message or have their parents call them
right back.
Never answer the door if they are alone.
Never invite anyone in the house without permission of
a parent or baby-sitter.
Never take lollies or gifts from strangers or anyone
else without asking a parent first.
Never play in deserted buildings or isolated
areas.
Move
away from cars that pull up beside
them if they do not know the driver.
Know
that no one should touch any part of
his or her body that a swimming suit would cover.
Avoid shortcuts through empty parks, fields, laneways
or alleys.
Run
home or go to the nearest public
place if they are being followed and yell for help.
Tell
you if someone has asked them to keep
a secret from you.
Tell
you where they are at all times or
leave a message at home.
Give
up money, jewelry or clothing rather
than fight.
Know
they can talk to you and call you to
pick them up at any time.
PARENTS
SHOULD:
Avoid clothing and toys with your child's name on the
outside of it. A child is less likely to fear someone who knows
his/her name.
Check all potential baby-sitters and older friends of
your child.
Never leave your child alone in a public place,
stroller or car, even for a minute.
Always accompany young children to the bathroom in
public places.
Always accompany your child on door-to door
activities.
Point out safe houses with the Safety House sign where
children can go if they are in trouble.
Create an environment where a child feels safe to talk
to you. Let him/her know that you are interested and sensitive to
their fears.
Teach children that the police are their friends and
that they can rely on them if they are in trouble.
Keep
an up-to-date color photograph of
your child, as well as a medical and dental history.
Stay
involved in your child's life by
communicating daily to prevent your child from running
away.