Awareness and Child Safety (return to)

Personal Safety

1. Make it clear to your child that they do have a right to voice their objections to adult behavior which they find confusing and uncomfortable - even if the adult is someone they know (i.e. family friend, babysitter, teacher, relative, or member of the immediate family). Remember, offenders are known to the child 85% of the time.
   
   
2. Offenders make use of the secrecy surrounding private part of the body. Teach your child proper names for the private parts of their body to remove this power from the offenders. This can be started at an early age when teaching the names for eyes, ears, knees and so forth.
   
   
3. Every child loves to know secrets. Another strong weapon offenders use is the idea of keeping secrets. Children should be taught, again at an early age, the difference between "good" secrets and "bad" secrets. Good secrets are things like an upcoming surprise party - something that makes someone happy; a bad secret is where someone might be hurt or which makes someone uncomfortable.
   
   
4. Offenders frequently use the authority over a child that comes when children are taught they must obey adults. Teach your children they have the right to say no to an older person if that person is asking them to do something that hurts them or makes them feel uncomfortable.
   
   
5. Another way of protecting your child is expanding their vocabulary regarding feelings. It is also important to teach your child to trust their feelings. If they feel unsafe in a situation they should leave, if possible, and let you know about their discomfort.
   
   
6. When warning children to avoid strangers, give specific examples and assist them to plan ways of responding. Practice whatever plans you decide upon. For example, when shopping take time to show your child what to do if you are separated, who to seek help from and what places to avoid. The more practice a child has the more likely they are to make use of those plans, so repeat the lessons several times on different trips. Teach your children to call out for help if attacked or in danger, or to go to a home or business where there are adults known to them or where a Block Parent sign is displayed.
   
   
7. When your children are away from home, ensure that they have told you where they will be, with whom, and when they are to be expected home. Likewise, you should inform your children of your whereabouts.
   
   
8. Teach your children how to use the emergency phone number. In Edmonton, the number is 911. Province wide 0 will access emergency services. The operator will want to know what help is needed (ambulance, police, fire), and the name, address, and telephone number of the person calling. Tell your children to give their address first and, if time permits, give the additional information needed. If they are calling from a telephone booth no money is needed to call 911. At home have a list of important telephone numbers near each phone.
   
   
9. Tell your children to be selective about the kind of information they give out over the phone when someone calls. It is particularly important they do not give their name and address, or indicate they are home alone. Young children should be advised not to answer the door unless an adult is in the room with them.
   
   
10. Advise your children to play in well-lit and well-traveled areas. Ensure the child does not walk alone. For example, arrangements could be made for several children in your neighborhood to walk to school together. Warn them against taking short cuts, particularly through alleys or deserted areas.
    
    
11. As your children become more independent make sure they are aware that you would rather arrange transportation for them than have them take the risk of hitchhiking, or waiting at a bus stop late at night. However, it is important to convey to your children that if they are assaulted while doing something they shouldn't be you are there to help, not criticize them for not following your advice.
    
    
12. Establish a Block Parent plan in your community so that children know where there is a safe place to go to in case of trouble. Contact your community league office, the Crime Prevention Unit of the City Police or the R.C.M.P. to get further information.

There are books available to help with the process of protecting your child; check your local library or bookstore for recommendations.

Signals of Distress