As soon as a child is old enough to articulate a sentence, he or she
can begin the process of learning rules and habits which will help keep them safe. Many
families already have rules about bedtime, TV, chores, etc. By adopting rules about
personal safety, parents can teach good habits through reinforcement and repetition
without generating excessive fear. The following are suggestions for personal safety rules
that can be incorporated into a family routine.
Personal Safety Tips
During Travel
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Use direct routes to and from school, play and errands. Your parents should also know
these routes. Be on time so your parents know nothing is wrong.
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Get permission before going anywhere. If Johnny isn’t home and you want to go to
Mary’s, let mom or dad know first.
Personal Safety Tips
for Children at Play
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Don’t play in isolated areas of parks or playgrounds, building sites, or dark or
lonely streets.
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Don’t climb on anything that may be unsafe or into holes, tunnels or caves. You
could fall or suffocate if the walls cave in.
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Don’t play with matches or pick up anything that appears unsafe or is unfamiliar
to you.
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Learn bicycle and inline skating safety skills and practice them. Wear your helmet and
protective pads at all times.
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Have a list of friends names, addresses and phone numbers handy, as well as a list of
adults names and numbers for you to call.
Personal Safety Tips
for Children: Knowing your name and address
Know your full name, birth date, complete address, phone number, and your
caregiver’s full names.
Stay close
Don’t wander away from your parents or guardians in a public place, or use public
restrooms alone.
What I do if I am lost
If you are in a public place and get lost, don’t wander around. Go to a checkout
counter or service desk. Tell the person in charge that you are lost.
Check first
Always check with your parents, teacher, sitter, or caregiver before doing anything or
going anywhere with any person.
Use the Buddy System
It’s more fun and there is safety in numbers. Walk to and from the bus with a
friend, etc. You should not be wandering around the neighborhood after dark or alone.
Stay away from
Strangers
If someone follows you on foot or in a car, stay away from him or her. You
shouldn’t go near any strange car or talk to any stranger.
Run, Yell and Tell
If someone tries to grab you, or lure you by offering you something, your best defenses
are your legs and voice. Yell "I don’t know this person and they’re
bothering me," as you run away. Go to a public place or to someone that you know and
have them call 9-1-1. Knocking on the door of a stranger is a last resort. If you have no
other choice, ask the person to call the police, but do not go inside the house.
Don’t keep secrets
Don’t keep secrets that make you feel uncomfortable. No one should ask you to keep
a special secret. Tell an adult you trust.
Your body is special and private
No one should touch you in the parts covered by your bathing suit, nor should you touch
anyone else in those areas.
Know that you are special
If you have a problem-any kind of problem-you can talk to your parents, a teacher, a
principal or counselor, a police officer, or a friend of the family.
You can call 9-1-1
If you have an emergency, or are in a situation where you feel you are in danger or
lost, CALL 9-1-1. You can ask for help.
Safety in the Home
Phone use
- Use a phone code if you are home alone. (Ring twice and hang up, then call right
back). Don’t give out any information over the phone. If you answer the phone and an
adult is not present, you should say, "she can’t come to the phone right
now," and take a message. Don’t make excuses, they sound phony. Know how to call
9-1-1.
Doors
At play
Stay away from areas where you are prohibited, such as medicine cabinets, under the
sink, etc, and don’t taste anything that you are not sure of.
Don’t play on stairs, with electricity or fire, or climb on furniture or cabinets.
Most children die or are injured during accidents in the home.
Know your fire escape route and what to do during bad storms.
