BACK TO SCHOOL SAFETY 2022

Whilst children generally understand the concept of safety it is still important that parents continue to educate their children about personal safety to give everyone peace of mind. It boils down to making sure your children know exactly how to avoid possible danger, and also what they must do in case something bad happens to them. No matter what age your child is, nor how safe they might feel it is best to err on the side of caution.

We recommend:

• 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
• They should stick to streets they know and never take short cuts through unfamiliar or quiet areas. Never take shortcuts through a veld, bushy or secluded areas. If it is unavoidable always ensure someone knows exactly what route your child will take.
• If your children get picked up at school, they should always wait inside the grounds for their lift to arrive; they should not leave the premises to go and look for them in the street.
• Make sure your children understand that you would never send someone they don’t know to fetch them. They should never get into a stranger’s car even if they claim that someone your child loves is hurt and that they are supposed to pick them up. It is a good idea to consider using a password system, to ensure that the person collecting your children is in fact a friend or someone you can trust.
• If a stranger approaches your child, they should not talk to them no matter how friendly they may seem. Teach your kids that if someone grabs them or forces them to go somewhere they should fight, kick and scream to make a scene and get help.

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 children 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.

A good idea is to draw up a list of important telephone numbers or save them on your child’s cell phone if they have one.

This list must include emergency services and both parents work and cellphone numbers as well as any other close friends and neighbours. It’s also important to explain to them when these should be used.

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.