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 a phone.
  • Never say they’re home alone when answering the phone – instead, offer to take a message or say their parents will be back shortly.
  • Never answer the door if they are alone.  Never invite anyone in the house w/out permission of a parent or baby-sitter.
  • Never take candy or gifts form strangers or anyone else without asking a parent first.
  • Never play in a deserted building 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/her body that a bathing 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 as the parent 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 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.
  • Always accompany you children to the bathroom in public places.
  • Always accompany your child on door-to-door activities.
  • Point out safe houses with the Block Parent 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 then if they are in trouble.
  • Keep an up-to-date color photograph of your child, as well as a medical and dental history, and have your child fingerprinted.
  • Stay involved in your child’s life by communicating daily to prevent your child from running away.