From the moment you bring your child home until long after they have left the nest, their safety is your top priority. Furthermore, parents and other adults who care for children must learn to have meaningful and honest conversations with them about personal safety issues when they are unable to physically watch over them as they become more autonomous and spend more time alone. Here are some tips:
Set boundaries
Your kids are mature enough to understand the basic concepts of safety if they freely express their needs and desires. This could include risks from the stove or boiling hot water, as well as how to cross the street safely, both inside and outside the house. Establishing boundaries for your children’s safety is a continuous process that varies with age. For instance, teach children to memorize a parent or guardian’s phone number so they know who to call in an emergency. You can also discuss with children the value of exercising caution while communicating, both physically and online, with strangers.
Discuss physical safety
Your children can take some precautions to keep themselves safe when they’re on their own if they’ve made the decision to move out, look into entering the workforce, or seek post-secondary education out of town.
Make sure they are aware of the location of the building’s emergency plan and all of the exits, whether they are living alone or in a dorm. Portable carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are inexpensive additions to their peace of mind if they are renting.
While most campuses have clearly marked emergency phones that can be used in the event that someone is being followed or harassed, carrying a personal cell phone for emergencies is a frequent option to keep connected. Safe waiting zones are frequently specified in public transportation networks as well.
Talk about human trafficking
Although a lot of people believe that human trafficking is a problem that only occurs in distant places, millions of Canadians are exploited for labor or sexual purposes each year.
Teach your children about the dangers of human trafficking and its definition. Some child traffickers may push children to perform services in exchange for love, return gifts or favors, or express gratitude. They may also isolate children from their friends and family. Even romantic interest or fictitious work prospects are possible from traffickers.
Discussing personal safety with kids is an ongoing process that changes as they become older. Parents and other adults who care for children can provide them the information and self-assurance they need to successfully navigate the world by offering age-appropriate guidance and encouraging open communication. Remember, the idea is to give kids the confidence and resources they need to defend themselves and make wise decisions regarding their safety.
Learn more at: https://newscanada.com/en/Talking-to-kids-of-all-ages-about-personal-safety-135634
Reference: https://newscanada.com/
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