12 Vital Tips to Keep your Child Safe in Public Places

It doesn’t matter if you think the risk is big or small, it is never safe to leave your child alone in a public place. It only takes a second for your child to be abducted, attacked, seriously injured or worse… It is vital that you have a strategy in place so you know how to keep your child safe when you are out and about.

1. Never ask someone you do not know to keep an eye on your child – you do not know them at all, no matter how trustworthy they may seem.

2. Children who are under the age of 8 years old should never be left alone, especially in busy places.

3. Young children should always be kept in the care and sight of an adult or a much older child who is mature and trustworthy.

4. NEVER leave a young child in a play area, shop or park that is unsupervised.

5. NEVER leave a young child alone in a car, even if you are just popping into the shop for a few minutes.

6. Don’t walk too far ahead of your children, especially if they cannot keep up – it only takes a few seconds for a child to wander off so always hold their hand or keep them in a pram or buggy.

7. As soon as your child is old enough to understand, make sure to teach them their name and surname, address and emergency telephone number.

8. Teach your children rules about safety such as never talking to strangers and going off with anyone they don’t know.

9. If you go to a busy public area always decide on a place to meet in case you are ever separated.

10. Build up your child’s self-esteem so that they are confident in themselves – bullies and dangerous people usually prey on less confident children.

11. Your child needs to know that they never have to do anything they do not want to do with an adult or an older child, even if it is someone they know.

12. Listen closely to what your child has to say, especially when they are telling you something that is worrying them – they need to know that you take them seriously and will do whatever you can to keep them safe.

Teach your child about safety, but remember it is your duty as an adult and as their parent to ALWAYS keep your child safe and sound.

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