Browse by category

To and From School

Walking to and from school can be the first bit of independence children are awarded and is a great confidence builder. However, it is important that they are street wise and vigilant. They must be aware of the ways in which they can ensure their safety:

• Encourage children to walk to and from school in groups of two or more.
• Children should stick to the same route every day to make sure they are familiar with the way and you know the way they walk home.
• Make sure children understand that if they begin to feel uneasy about a person/ situation they should go into a public place like a shop or garage and tell someone working there.
• Children should avoid quiet/ isolated spots such as subways or woodland as these areas are often badly lit and can be dangerous.
• When approaching home children should have their keys ready so they can get into their home quickly and safely.
• Setting an agreed time for your child to get home is another way to ensure their safety. Once the route to and from school has been established decide on a reasonable amount of time for them to get home. This will enable you to easily monitor their journey home.

Internet Safety

The internet, whilst being a wonderful source of information and entertainment, can be a dangerous place young people if they are not in control of the way they use it. There are some important messages that as a parent it is important to communicate to your children to enable them to remain in control of their time on the internet:

• Keep an open dialogue with your child about time they spend on the computer; continue to ask them simple questions about what they are looking at on the internet and who they are communicating with.
• If you notice a marked change in your child’s behaviour after their time on the computer make sure they understand that bullying can take place on the internet and they are not expected to endure it.
• Children must understand that if they are under the age of 18 they must not enter sites that have adult/ over 18 warnings as these will not be suitable for them and you will be able to find out if they have accessed these sights.
• Try to encourage children to use computers in a shared/family room. This will enable you to monitor the information they are viewing without appearing untrusting and suspicious.
• Ensure that children are aware that they should not provide personal information over the internet under any circumstances.

As with many things, trust your instincts. If you think your child is being bullied, harassed or manipulated over the internet - TALK TO THEM. Let them know they do not have to tolerate this. See also the section on "Cyber Bullying."

Travelling by taxi or minicab

There are several guidelines children/ young adults should follow when using taxis and it is important they know this from the outset:

• Licensed taxi drivers should display their ID clearly in the taxi - DO NOT USE AN UNLICENSED TAXI UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.
• Encourage children to use one, reputable taxi company and store their number in their phone.
• Children should text a friend/ family member as they are getting into a taxi with the name of the company they have used for safety.
• If possible try to get a taxi with a friend.

Threatening situations

What should you encourage children to do if they feel threatened in a particular situation?

• They must stay calm and alert and try hard not to panic; this will allow them to get away quickly.
• If it is a particular situation that is making them feel uneasy e.g. being on a bus/ train with someone who is making them feel uncomfortable they should get off at the next stop and/or alert the guard/driver.
• Make sure children understand that if someone approaches them and asks them to hand over their bag/ purse/ phone that the safest option is to give it to them with no struggle as this will give them what they want without harming them.
• Children should be aware that being vocal in a potentially threatening situation is a good way to deter a possible attacker and they should not be embarrassed to do so.
• Above all if they feel a situation is about to escalate out of their control they should call 999 or call for a member of the public to do so.

Useful Links

For more information on the ways in which you can help your children be clued up and safe visit the Suzy Lamplugh Trust website that has been specifically designed to offer clear, coherent advice to children about personal safety.