As any parent will tell you, when it comes to “street proofing” a child, there are no easy answers. At what age do you start? How much detail do you provide? Where do you draw the line between teaching a child, and scaring them?
Telling your child to “Never talk to strangers,” is an excellent first step. It’s also important to define who a stranger is, and what to do if they feel threatened by a stranger. You should teach your child to run, scream, yell, and fight – anything that draws attention to what’s going on and encourages someone else to intervene. Children should be taught to travel in groups, and to stay away from isolated areas like dark alleys, unattended parking lots, or unsupervised wooded areas, especially if they’re alone. They should avoid taking short cuts on their way to or from school, and they need to understand the importance of reporting anything suspicious right away.
Ultimately, it’s up to parents to decide what age to start “street proofing” their children, but even very young children should know their last name, the names of their parents, and the community in which they live. As children grow older, they should be taught additional details like their civic address and phone number.
Of course, “street proofing” a child is about more than making sure the child knows what to do. Parents need to take active steps in ensuring their children are safe. When the child is out playing, parents need to know who they are playing with, where they will be and when they will be back. They should keep a contact list of their children’s friends, including phone numbers and addresses. Kids walking to school should use a buddy system, and for younger children taking the bus, parents or guardians should be waiting with them at the bus stop in the morning, and meeting them there at the end of the day.
Another thing parents should do is get to know their neighbours. It takes a village to raise a childis an old African proverb, but it certainly applies to life here today. Keep an eye on your neighbours’ kids to make sure they stay safe – and have them do the same for you.
