Children safety is at risk when they talk to strangers on the phone, enter chartroom with strangers on the internet, being bullied at school, view adult content at home, and engage in the illegal use of prescription drugs. Whose responsibility it is to protect children?
Parents, in today's world of sexual predators you have the right to protect your children from these molesters. As a former teacher in the classroom, it is my duty to protect all children. Here are some safety tips to help your children stay safe.
1. Make the importance of safety a top priority with your children. Set aside time for them before and after school. Show you care by communicating with them about their day.
2. School bullying is prevalent. Talk to your children about how to defend themselves from bullies. Some bullies look for children who walk alone and those who are new to the school to bully. Encourage your children to walk in groups and talk to school officials if they are bullied.
3. Make communication with your child's teacher a routine. Check homework and school correspondence to see what is happening in school.
4. Teach your children how to handle phone calls from strangers they don’t know especially when you're not at home. Example: your child can answer the phone in this manner: "Who's calling (pause), my mom is unavailable to take your call right now, but you're welcome to leave you're name and number and she'll return your call." If the person on the other line shows persistence just say I am sorry I've to go now and hang up the phone. If the caller persists by calling your phone, first check your caller ID and don’t answer the phone.
5. Internet usage can get your child in trouble. There are predators who explore children innocence. Subscribe to software that prevents your children from surfing adult sites. Additionally, talk to your children about going into chatroom. Chatroom with strangers is unsafe for your children. Encourage your children to have open conversation and never put themselves at risk to have private conversation with people they don’t know. In essence, teach them to avoid chatroom.
6. Adult content at home should be restricted to only adults. Make sure the channel guard is on if you have adult site. Lock away magazines that have adult content. This can ruin your child's life and other children. If your child find a magazine at home he will show other children. Parents it is your responsibility to be accountable for your action. Think of your children and other children in everything you do. Make safety an issue of importance.
7. Parents talk to your children about the illegal use of prescription drugs. If you're on medications lock them away safely. Check for any sign of drug use and seek help if needed.
8. Have a weekly meeting with your family to connect. As a teacher in the classroom, my students found this helpful. In fact, one student found this so empowering, he talked his parent into having meetings on Thursday's. It is central to have open conversation with family members. Make this a family affair and you'll reap the reward. Well so long! See you next time and remember keep our children safe.
© Copyrighted by Annmarie Edwards May 2008
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