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Advice For Parents

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(c) BTKA 2006
Have Fun, But Stay Safe!
Many Parents worry that their children may suffer abuse when they are out of their sight - playing sport or participating in activities away from home.

Guidelines contained on this website are designed to help you feel more secure and to keep your children safe from harm. Like road safety, you can make these simple rules part of your family's life.

Remember, it is important to keep a sense of perspective about child abuse:

  • Most adults will never hurt a child;
  •  Children should be allowed to become independent and learn to look after themselves - there is no need to wrap them up in cotton wool.

 

What Parents Can Do!

  • Encourage discussions about personal safety, getting lost, and bullying by playing 'What if?' games with children.
  • Arrange to have a family code-word, tell your child that if anyone ever tries to collect them for you, the person will always know the code-word "NO CODE, NO GO!".
  • Practise the KIDSCAPE rule 'YELL, RUN, TELL' with children so they feel confident about using safety strategies.
    (c) BTKA 2006
    Don't Wrap Them In Cotton Wool
  • Buy your children a travel card and/or phone card so that they can always call you or get home.
  • Explain to your children the difference between "safe" secrets which are fun to keep and "unsafe" secrets which they are concerned or unhappy about. A secret about a surprise birthday party is fine, but no-one should ask them to keep quiet about secret touches.

 

REMEMBER

Keeping your child safe is the most important thing;
Breaking rules to keep safe is okay.

Last Updated ( Sunday, 11 March 2007 20:42 )