Teaching children to be safety savvy
Hattingh adds that everyone in the household should also know how to use your home security system – children included – and when and how to use the panic buttons.
Schools around the country will open in a few days.
For school children, it can be an exciting time with regards to making new friends and learning new things.
For parents, however, it can be the cause of some anxiety, especially for those whose children travel to and from school by themselves.
ALSO READ:
Class of 2019 competition winners won’t have to worry about school fees
Fidelity ADT national marketing and communications manager Charnel Hatting has provided tips that can help to increase peace of mind.
She suggests the following tips are shared with the children and that they are encouraged to practise them every day:
• Children must always walk to or from school with a friend or friends. If your child walks alone, it’s a good idea to ask a teacher or other parents if they know of other children from the area who do the same. Some towns have started “walking buses” where local parents volunteer to walk to and from school with a group of school children to assure their safety.
• Stick to streets you know and never take shortcuts through unfamiliar or quiet areas.
• If you get picked up at school, always wait inside the grounds for your lift to arrive; do not leave the premises to go and look for them in the street.
• Remember, your parents would never send someone you don’t know to fetch you. Never get into a stranger’s car even if they claim that someone you love is hurt and that they are supposed to pick you up. It is a good idea to consider using a password system, to ensure that the person collecting you is, in fact, a friend of your parents or someone you can trust.
•If a stranger approaches you, do not talk to them no matter how friendly they may seem. If someone tries to grab you, fight, kick and scream that they are not your mom or dad.
In some cases, children have to see themselves to and from school and keep occupied until mom and dad return home in the evening.
“It is extremely important that the children know not to let anyone into the house without your permission,” says Hattingh.
“If you are going to be late, let your children know as soon as possible and give them an idea of when they can expect you to be home.”
She suggests drawing up a list of important telephone numbers.
“This list must include emergency services and mom and dad’s work and cell phone numbers.
“Save it on your child’s cell phone and stick it on or near the landline.
“It’s also important to explain to them when these should be used.”
Follow us on these platforms:
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp: 079 431 1217
Instagram: benonicitytimes.co.za
For more #hyperlocal news at your fingertips, visit Boksburg Advertiser, Springs Advertiser, Brakpan Herald, African Reporter and Kathorus Mail.
