Children are prone to various safety hazards, and it is crucial to handle problems using non-dangerous methods when dangerous situations arise. Generally speaking, we should not instill fear of potential dangerous environments and people in children. WorldWay Immigration experts remind us that open communication between parents and children is one of the most important aspects of protecting children from harm. In addition, we should teach children how to face dangers cautiously at an early age.
10 Safety Methods Every Parent Should Master:
Communication is very important: It is essential to have open discussions with children about all potential safety issues.
Knowledge is power: Teach children how to handle situations involving strangers, making them aware that strangers who appear to be ordinary people may use various methods to lure children. In fact, many children are harmed by attackers.
Common tricks of deceivers: Pretending to look for a lost pet and asking children to lead the way; if the child is willing to get in the car, they may promise candy or money, and if the child does not cooperate, they may threaten to harm their family. At this point, children should be taught to look for an opportunity to escape!
Do not put the child's name on clothing and backpacks. Criminals can use this information to gain the child's trust (place labels inside or use some easily identifiable markings).
Teach your child how to respond if they get lost in a mall, supermarket, or other public places. They should first find a mother with children and tell her they are lost, or they can go to the cash register, service desk, or find a police officer.
Children should know their full name, address, phone number, and their parents' work phone numbers, as well as how to contact their parents. They should also know how to call 911, a collect call, or use a payphone.
Keep track of your child's whereabouts. Maintain a list of your child's friends' addresses and contact information, updating records about your child, including photos, every 6 to 12 months, and be aware of their gatherings.
Trust your instincts; if you feel something is wrong with someone, keep your child away from that person.
Practice, practice, and practice again: It is not enough for children to know this information! You should continuously conduct simulated drills with your child so that they can respond calmly if they ever encounter a real situation.
If a child goes missing: Do not panic; first check inside the house, then ask neighbors and the child's friends. If they are still not found, you should call the police immediately. Remember: Do not wait even a moment to call the police.
10 Safety Methods Every Child Should Master:
Do not get into any vehicle without parental consent. Stay away from anyone who is following you, and do not talk to people in vehicles.
Adults and others will not ask children for help; they will only ask other adults for assistance. Adults will not ask children for directions or help in finding lost pets, nor will they tell children that their parents are in trouble and they are taking them to see them.
If someone tries to take you somewhere, run away immediately and shout, "This person is not my father (or mother)!"
Children should always go out in groups and never go out alone. They should get parental consent before leaving their yard, especially when going to someone else's house.
Absolutely do not hitchhike! Unless your parents agree.
Outsiders should not ask you to keep any secrets. If they do, tell your parents. Also, do not let outsiders take your picture and tell your parents immediately.
Outsiders should not touch any part of your body covered by a swimsuit, and you should not touch others in those areas; your body is special and private.
You have the right to firmly say "no" to any adult, relative, or friend who takes you to places you do not want to go, touches you, or does anything that makes you uncomfortable.
Note: Many parents use special methods that only children understand to communicate with them.
Shouting: Practice a low, loud, and prolonged shout that indicates someone wants to harm a child, signaling "I know how to cope; I am not that easy to harm," and using a child's voice to tell those around, "I need help." This can help the child escape; in emergencies, children should not panic but remain calm. Before shouting, take a deep breath to provide oxygen and energy to the brain and muscles. Shouting can motivate oneself, allowing for quick movement when needing to run.
School Bus Stop Safety:
1. If possible, parents should ensure that an adult is present at the school bus stop to pick up the child, but sometimes parents are working during pick-up times.
2. Parents should know the school bus routes and the route from home to the bus stop.
3. Avoid walking through bushes, alleys, parks, or other secluded areas.
4. Identify houses along the route where children can run to request help.
5. Ensure that the child's backpack does not have their name on it, etc., to prevent abductors from calling out their name.
6. If the child is concerned about their safety, they should tell their parents and the school bus driver.
7. If they have arrived at the bus stop, left the bus stop, or are on the way, they should inform their parents, the school bus driver, and the school administrator.
8. If they notice a suspicious vehicle, they should note the license plate number and report it to the school and vehicle management authorities.
9. Do not approach other vehicles near the bus stop, and avoid getting close to or into cars you do not want to enter.
10. If confronted by someone with a weapon, drop your books, shout loudly, and make the loudest noise possible. Never go with the attacker; kicking or biting is acceptable; do not follow the kidnapper regardless of any threats. Once a child is taken by a kidnapper, their chances of survival diminish.
How to Escape from a Kidnapper - Every Child Should Know:
1. If a child is threatened, even if someone tells them not to say anything, they should not be afraid to tell their parents, a trusted adult, or a teacher. If they are harmed, it is not their fault, and they should not feel ashamed or hide from their parents and guardians. Tell children that even if they go missing, you will always love them, no matter what the kidnapper says, and you will never stop looking for them.
2. Never let children go with someone they like, and do not let others take them to places where potential kidnappers can easily approach. This is as important as the third point below, to prevent children from becoming victims of kidnappers.
3. Shout, scream, fight, and escape from potential abductors. No matter what the kidnapper says, make noise to attract attention.
4. If someone tries to lure a child into a car, they should run in the opposite direction of the car.
5. Run towards home, a neighbor's house, a store, or another public place while shouting that someone is trying to kidnap you.
6. If a child is riding a bicycle, they should hold onto the bike tightly so that the attacker cannot force them into the car. If they cannot escape on the street, they should grab onto a lamppost, traffic signal, trash can, mailbox, or another fixed object and shout for help.
7. If a kidnapper points a gun at a child, they should run away with all their might. Most kidnappers do not want to draw attention by firing a gun and harming a child.
8. If captured, they should hold onto their body and shout, "This is not my father (or mother)!"
9. If a kidnapper grabs your coat or backpack, they should break free from the coat or backpack and run away, shouting for nearby adults to attract their attention and hold onto them.
10. If forcibly taken into the front seat of a four-door car, they should jump into the back seat immediately and escape through the back door (do not wear a seatbelt, as it may hinder escape time).
11. If taken in a truck, find the emergency brake handle in the truck and pull it quickly to escape. If the handle cannot be found, pull the wires from the truck's taillights; when the brake lights are off, it can attract the attention of other vehicles. Tell the police that your child knows to do this, and they can check for trucks with taillight malfunctions.
12. If you can grab the kidnapper's car keys, throw them out the window.
13. If the kidnapper's vehicle is moving, stomp on the accelerator to crash into the vehicle in front.
14. Honk the car horn loudly to distract the kidnapper and cause an accident.
15. Do not eat or drink anything given by the kidnapper (it may be poisoned).
16. If the kidnapper takes you into a store, knock things over in the store, break bottles, etc., and scream that you are being kidnapped.
17. If a child is locked in a room, turn on the light in front of the window. If upstairs, fill the bathtub with water to let it flow downstairs.
18. Never give up on escaping; look for opportunities to call 911 for help.
19. Discuss and practice these plans with your child. We should rehearse all possible ways to prevent our children from becoming victims of kidnapping. The knowledge above should be taught to children, as it is key to protecting their lives.
