Keep yourself safe from strangers - Tips for kids

You study a lot of things at school and maybe you do very well in your tests, but the question is.... do you have any 'street smart'?

What does that mean?

   

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If you are street smart, it means you know how to look after yourself when you are alone outside your house, you know the rules about strangers and can keep you and your friends save by doing certain things like crossing a road following the rules.  You know the 'rules of the streets.'

You do not have to be a gangster to be street smart, if you know that you have to look out for certain things, do not go with strangers etc, then you know how to stay save.

Lets have a look at a few points to help you be street smart.

• It is important to follow rules and rely on your 'instincts'.  Have you ever met someone and you just do not feel 'right' about it?  That is your instinct giving you a sign to be careful.  You need to listen to that.  If you feel you do not want to go inside a building or trust a person, do not do that.... listen to that little voice inside of you.

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• You have heard the speech before "Do not talk to strangers", but some strangers are so nice, or they show you their puppy or offer you a drink.  It is true.  Most strangers are not bad, just friendly, but unfortunately there are bad strangers out there that want to hurt children.  So remember... it is fine to talk to a stranger if they ask you something, but never ever accept any food or drinks from a stranger, do not walk with them or get in a car with them.  If you feel in any way uncomfortable if a stranger talks to you, find your parents or an adult and stay with them.
• If you go somewhere with your friends, let your parents or the adults looking after you, know where you are.  If you move to another place, you need to let them know.  If anything happens, they need to know where you were last.  Teenagers like moving around from one place to another, and do not always want to tell their parents where they are, but it is for your own safety to let them know. even if you feel it is 'uncool'.
• Try and do things with a friend.  It is better if you are more than one doing things together.  If you want to go ride your bike in the park or go to the shop, try not to do it alone.
• If you are alone, or even with a friend, make sure you know where places are that you can run to if there is a problem.  Places where other people are that can help you like the neighbor's house or a shop, the police station or a restaurant.
• Do not go into abandoned buildings or dark alleys.  Stay away from unsafe places.
• We said before, never get into a stranger's car.  If you are walking and they stop next to you, stay a safe distance from the car.  Do not go closer if they call you.  It is better, even if you think it is rude, to just walk away and go to an adult as quickly as you can.
• If anybody tries to grab you, shout as loud as you can and run away.

This information is not to scare you so that you never leave your house, it is just some information on how to stay safe and remind you to be vigilant and trust your gut feeling.

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We all want to be good people that help others if they ask us for directions, or the time, but sometimes it is better to stay away from strangers.  Even if it feels silly to just leave the person or tell them you do not talk to strangers, trust your instinct and be smart.... street smart.

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