Rehearse with your child his
or her full name, address, and phone number, including area code, and
how to make emergency phone calls from home and public phones. Practice
on an unplugged phone.
Teach your child
Rehearse with your child his
or her full name, address, and phone number, including area code, and
how to make emergency phone calls from home and public phones. Practice
on an unplugged phone.
Teach your child to go to a store clerk or security guard and ask for
help if you become separated in a store or shopping mall. Tell them
never to go into the parking lot alone. And, when possible, accompany
your child to the restroom.
Tell your child never to accept gifts or rides from someone he or she
does not know well. Your child should never go anywhere with another
adult, even one who says you have sent him or her. Adopt a family code
word to be used if you have to ask a third party to pick up your child.
And, make sure your child knows to never, ever, hitchhike!
Teach your children that no one, not even someone they know, has the
right to touch them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable. Tell
them they have the right to say "No" to an adult in this situation.
At School or At Play
Walk the neighborhood with your child. Pick out the safest route to
school and friends' houses. Avoid danger spots like alleys and wooded
areas. Identify safe places to go in an emergency, like a neighbor's
house, a block parent, McGruff House, or an open store.
Encourage your child to walk and play with friends, not alone, and to
stay in well-lighted open areas where others can see them. Teach your
child to walk confidently and stay alert to what's going on.
Don't hang a house key around your child's neck. It's a telltale sign
that you won't be home when they return from school. 