Keeping your children safe when out and about can seem overwhelming, especially in today’s digital age. Safety threats lurk around every corner, and we must teach them to stay aware. From cyberbullying to stranger danger, it’s essential to equip our children with the tools they need to stay safe. With just a few simple steps, you can help keep your kids safe in public, no matter where they are.
How to Keep Your Kids Safe In Public
Have the stranger danger talk
One of the most important things you can do is have the ‘stranger danger’ talk. When kids are younger, they often don’t understand the severity of this kind of situation. Through the discussion, your child will better understand the dangers that lurk in everyday life and how to prevent them. From being aware of who they talk to, to where they go, the stranger danger talk will equip your children with the tools they need to stay safe. Even though your children may be a little young for the discussion, you can discuss the basics of personal safety. From staying away from strange people to letting their parents know where they are, these conversations with your children from an early age will help.
Turn off their location on mobile phone apps
While apps such as Facebook and Instagram have made connecting with friends and family easier, they have done so at the cost of our children’s privacy. The geolocation these apps use makes it easier for parents to keep track of their kids. While this can be helpful, it also makes it easier for predators to target your children. Since predators don’t have to go directly to your child’s house to find out where they live, this can make them an easier target. To keep your kids safe, turn off geolocation on all apps your children use.
Install a tracker app to Keep Your Kids Safe in Public
If your child is going to be out alone, it’s a good idea to install a tracker app on their phone. These apps allow you to track your child’s location, letting you know where they are at any given time. If your child goes missing, you can check their location and help find them as quickly as possible. Several different apps are available for monitoring your child’s location. While most apps are similar, finding one that works best for you and your child is essential, but this link explains more about using tracker apps.
Let your child know what to do if they feel scared or lost when alone
Along with installing a tracker app, it’s a good idea to let your child know what they should do if they find themselves lost or scared while alone. Tell them to find someone with children, as another parent may be able to help your child feel safe. Or, they can head into a nearby shop to ask for help from staff. You can let your child know they should find a trusted adult nearby and tell them where to find help.
Encourage your children to tell you if something doesn’t feel right.
Lastly, it’s essential to encourage your children to tell you if something doesn’t feel right. Whether they are out alone or with someone else, you want your child to feel comfortable coming to you if they feel scared, unsure, or anything else. This way, if your child encounters someone who makes them feel uncomfortable, they can come to you. It can help them handle themselves in any situation because they have your encouragement. It’s important to remember that you can’t be with your child 24/7.
Recap: Keep Your Kids Safe in Public
Keeping your children safe when out and about can be a daunting task. However, you can ensure your child stays safe with these simple tips and tricks.
