As trusted adults in children’s and young peoples lives, the most important role we have is to keep them safe. Teaching children simple strategies about keeping safe, can build confidence, resilience and empower them to be safe in a variety of situations.
Parents should instill in their children the following three personal safety rules:
- We all have the right to feel safe with people. This rule teaches children and young people that they have a right to feel safe and secure where they live, play and learn and that no-one has the right to make them do something that makes them feel unsafe or unsure.
- It’s OK to say ‘NO” if you feel unsafe or unsure. This rule teaches children and young people that it is OK to stand up for themselves and to be assertive if something doesn’t feel right.
- Nothing is so yucky that you can’t tell someone about it. One of the reasons that children and young people fail to disclose harm is because they are afraid of getting into trouble. This rule helps to encourage them to speak to a trusted adult, even if something seems scary or terrible.