Staying Safe Out & About

Protecting young children

Statistics show that crime against young children by strangers is rare. Even so, these seven tips can help protect your child:

tell your child to avoid talking to people they don't know when you're not around
make sure your child knows never to walk away with strangers
make sure your child understands that they should always tell you if a stranger approaches, and never to keep this secret
if your child is travelling alone, tell them to sit near other families on the train or bus
if your child has to use a lift – tell them only to use lifts with friends, and not to feel worried about getting out if they are uncomfortable about someone else being in there
if your child gets lost, they should ask for help from a police officer, another grown-up with children or someone working at a nearby shop
have your children learn their address and telephone number by heart

Sometimes, young children can still be vulnerable even if you are with them. Following these simple precautions should give you peace of mind:

try to keep your children within your sight or another adult's whom you trust
use reins for your toddler - these will keep your child nearby even if you get distracted
when out and about visiting places, always arrange a meeting point for you and your child, in case either of you get lost
make sure you all travel together in the same train carriage, or have seats close together on a bus or coach
always go with your child into public toilets
remind your child never to talk to strangers, even if you are nearby