Youth Month: How to keep our youngsters safe and secure
Safety is a priority and must be top of mind for everyone.
June is Youth Month and provides an opportunity to celebrate, focus on and discuss all things youth-related including education, employment and lifestyle.
“A very important topic that must also be addressed during this period is safety,” said Fidelity ADT’s managing executive Stuart Clarkson.
“Safety is a priority and must be top of mind for everyone, particularly teenagers and young adults who are especially vulnerable to crime.”
Streetwise teens know that they do not have to leave home for their safety to be at risk.
Clarkson said knowing and applying basic safety advice can show them that staying safe can be easy, improve their awareness and help them take control in challenging situations.
Social media and the internet:
The internet has made communication faster and more fun; but it also makes it easier for predators to approach vulnerable teens.
It is important that youngsters:
- Never include personal information on social media forums, blogs or websites.
- Do not agree to meet online contacts in person.
- Block anyone who makes you feel uneasy.
- Think about the information you post online and do not post comments that could embarrass you or hurt and offend others.
- Get the “OK” from your parents before you download content or shop online. Many items have copyright; and credit card details may be at risk when buying from an unsecure site.
Staying safe while out on the town:
Many young adults may find it is easy to lose track of time when you’re out having a good time with your friends. Following these tips will ensure that you can still have fun and get home safely:
- Go out in a group and stick with your friends.
- Never go anywhere with or accept a drink from a stranger.
- Tell your parents where you are going and keep to the agreed curfew.
- Make sure you have a safe ride home with a designated driver.
- Ensure your cellphone is always on and call home if you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation.
- Keep your “locate your device” activated in case of any emergencies.
If you are home alone:
- Make sure you know how the home alarm system works and what the pass codes are.
- If you are home alone and the alarm is disarmed ensure that the security gates and outward-leading doors are locked.
- If you parents are away overnight, have the number of a neighbour or relative at hand in case of an emergency.
- Never leave younger siblings home alone, even for a short time.
Other articles you may be interested in:
Safety tips for parking your vehicle
Children learn road safety lessons
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Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za, Leigh Hodgson (journalist) leighh@caxton.co.za or Puleng Sekabate pulengs@caxton.co.za.
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