Back-to-school, back to reality – that is safety
Randfontein Herald, Jaco-Mari Futcher, Back-to-school, safety tips, Fidelity ADT
“All parents should teach their children safety tips to make sure they stay safe when mom and dad are at work,” advised security company, Fidelity ADT.
“The new school year started just a few days ago and while it can be a very exciting time for children, parents, however, can become anxious about the children’s safety,” said Charnel Hattingh, Fidelity ADT’s National Marketing and Communications Manager.
She suggested that the following tips be shared with the kids and that they are encouraged to practise them every day:
• Children should always use the buddy system and walk to or from school with friends. It can also be useful to start a “walking bus”, where local parents volunteer to walk to and from school with a group of school children, to ensure their safety.
• When children walk to or from school they should know the dangers of taking shortcuts through unfamiliar areas.
• If children get picked up at school, they should always wait inside the grounds. It’s important for children to know that their parents would never send someone they don’t know to fetch them from school. Using a password system can ensure that the person collecting you is, in fact, a friend of your parents or someone you can trust.
• Children should know that, if a stranger approaches them, they should not talk to them, no matter how friendly they may seem. If someone tries to grab them, they should know to fight, kick and scream that they are not your mom or dad.
In some cases, children have to stay home alone after school and keep themselves occupied until mom and dad return home in the evening. Charnel said that children should know how to stay safe at home as well.
“It is extremely important that the kids know not to let anyone into the house without your permission. 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,” Charnel said.
She suggests drawing up a list of important telephone numbers for emergencies.
“This list must include emergency services and mom and dad’s work and cellphone numbers. It’s also important to explain to them when these should be used,” she added.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (please remember to include your contact details in the email) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
