10 essential safety rules for kids
All parents want to protect children. But, as children get older, you can’t be with them all the time. Children need their freedom in order to learn and grow. While you can’t watch your kids 24/7, you can teach rules to follow that will help keep them safe. Here are ten basic safety rules that children should learn at an early age.
1. Remember your address and phone number
If children memorize their home address and their parents’ phone number, they can share that information with someone in an emergency. Children of any age can wander and get lost. Therefore, the sooner you memorize this information, the better.
2. Don’t walk on your own
Very young children should have strict limits. They shouldn’t go off alone at all. As they get older, this rule can change to become not going anywhere without telling an adult. If a young child needs to go somewhere, they must be accompanied by an adult.
3. Don’t talk to strangers
This is a basic rule that should be taught to all children. Don’t talk to strangers, don’t get in a stranger’s car, and don’t accept any gifts from strangers.
4. If you get lost, stay where you are
If children are separated from their parents, the best thing they can do is stay where they are. That will make it easier for the parents to find the child again. The most common places where children get lost are stores. In this case, children should understand that it is okay to get help from a shop assistant or a mother with children.
5. Don’t play with fire
Children are naturally curious, but it is important that they learn that playing with fire is not allowed. Matches, cigarette lighters, and flammable materials should be kept out of the reach of children. Even if you do that at home, children should learn how dangerous it is to play with fire.
6. Don’t climb any fence
Children must be taught that fences are there for a reason. If they are playing ball and the ball goes over a fence, they should ask an adult to pick it up. Climbing fences can be dangerous. What is on the other side of the fence can also be dangerous.
7. No one is allowed to touch you
You can teach children at a young age that secret touching is not allowed. This doesn’t have to be overly descriptive or scary. It can be a simple rule that adults cannot touch children’s bodies. Children should also understand that it is okay to tell their parents if an adult does something inappropriate.
8. Know what 911 is for
Children should be taught how to dial 911 in an emergency. However, they should also be taught that 911 should only be used for real emergencies. There have been many instances where young children taught to use 911 have saved an adult’s life.
9. Don’t put any personal information online
Very young children should be supervised when connecting to the Internet. Older children should be taught not to put any personal information online and never agree to meet anyone in person they have met online.
10. Trust your instincts
If it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it. Even if your friends are doing it. Children have hunches when something is wrong. They should be taught that it is okay to say no if they are uncomfortable about something.
You can start teaching children basic safety rules as early as three years of age. In addition to these rules, it is also important to teach children that they can always talk to you. Encourage open communication and honesty. It is important for a child to know that they can always talk to their parents if something is worrying them.
