PERSONAL SAFETY FOR CHILDREN -- A GUIDE FOR PARENTS

WHAT YOUR CHILD CAN DO

at school and at home

School Tips:

Always TAKE A FRIEND when walking or riding your bike to and from school. Stay with a group while waiting at the bus stop. It's safer and more fun to be with your friends.

If anyone bothers you while going to or from school, get away from that person, and TELL a trusted adult like your parents or teacher.

If an adult approaches you for help or directions, remember grownups needing help should not ask children for help; they should ask other adults.

If someone you don’t know or feel comfortable with offers you a ride, say NO.

	If someone follows you, get away from him or her as quickly as you can. Always be sure to TELL your parents or a trusted adult what happened.
	If someone tries to take you somewhere, quickly get away and yell, "This person is trying to take me away!" or "This person is not my father (mother)!"

If you want to change your plans after school, always CHECK FIRST with your parents. Never play in parks, malls, or video arcades by yourself.

If you go home alone after school, check to see that everything is okay before you go in. Once inside, call your parents to let them know that you are okay. Make sure you follow your "Home Alone" tips.

Trust your feelings. If someone makes you feel scared or uncomfortable, get away as fast as you can and TELL a trusted adult.

Home Alone Tips for Teens:
	Check out the house before entering. Go to a safe place to call for help if something doesn’t seem right.
	Lock the door.
	Call your mom or dad when you get home to let them know you’re safe.
	Never tell callers that your parents aren’t home. Instead say that he or she can’t come to the phone and offer to take a message.
	Don’t open the door for or talk to anyone who comes to your home unless that person is a trusted family friend or relative and your mom or dad has said it is okay.

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