Safety in today’s context is one of the most essential elements of our everyday living. Parents want their children to be safe and secure in school, in parks or anywhere else where they are not with them. However, there will always be occasions when children are away from nurtured arms. Its in conditions like these, when children need to be empowered with the right knowledge, information and awareness to think fast and wisely if faced with a tough call. Also, it is important to prepare your kid for basic safety steps in the event of an emergency.
Here are some basic safety rules.
- Personal information –
Know basic credentials like your parents’ phone numbers, residence address, a neighbour’s number, any landmarks near the house/ condominium you live in.
- Do not eat anything offered by a stranger –
No matter how tempting the treat is, if it comes from a stranger, do not eat it. Refuse politely and contact the nearest available known person in the vicinity.
- Do not go out of boundaries –
Do not venture out of your designated boundaries without permission or informing the adult in charge. For example, your building premise, school gates etc.
- Experimenting with fire –
Experimenting with fire is a complete no. Unless your parents have specifically allowed you, because of your age, do not play with fire.
- Never go anywhere with a stranger –
No matter what the reasoning, it is not safe to go anywhere with a stranger. Know that incase of an emergency, a family member, like grandparent or aunt, or known adult, will be sent to fetch you.
- Do not let anyone touch your body –
Understand the good touch and bad touch concept. In case something happens beyond your permission, alert trusted people around.
- If you get lost, stay where you are –
In the event that you get lost, stay right where you are. Ask help from another mom with kids nearby. Stay inside the place and do not go out, even with the other mom. Most common places where kids get lost are the super markets. In a situation like this, walk up to the counter of the store and tell the person that you are lost.
- Do not share personal information like phone numbers/address –
Except in emergency situations, do not openly share your contact details with anybody especially strangers.
- Do not do anything which is forced and not with your consent –
If an action makes you uncomfortable, say no. Do not come under pressure if others are doing something. Think what is acceptable to you and only then decide.
- Discuss with your parents –
It is very important to have continuous dialogues with parents. This helps to understand people, circumstances and safety measures. Sharing always helps.
It is important to be safe. Some pre-cursors like the steps above, help us to think logically and intelligently when faced with a grim situation.