The Tribune

By SERGEANT NATHALIE RANGERS

Child safety is a crucial part of their development and growth. Teaching them about safety can be a challenging feat to accomplish. To start off you have to imagine the various dangers your offspring may face which, on its own, can be a harrowing thought. But children are spontaneous by nature and quick to grasp new information, so the earlier you teach them how to keep themselves safe, the more protected they will be.

Make sure your child is comfortable and ready to have this conversation about safety. It is important they do not become afraid while you talk to them. So, make sure your tone is casual and reassuring and not one that will instil fear in them.

Learn how to differentiate between a ‘good’ touch and a ‘bad’ touch

In today’s world, with children interacting with a lot of people from a very young age, learning to understand the difference between a ‘good touch’ and a ‘bad touch’ is crucial. Once that differentiation has been understood, it is important your child can approach you if they feel uncomfortable with the way they were touched.

Safe Circle

It is necessary your child has a safe group or safe circle they can approach whether they are in trouble, unhappy, or just want to talk. A safe circle is the few most-trusted people in your child’s life.

Ensure your children do not keep any ‘body secrets’- secrets about having been inappropriately touched or made to feel uncomfortable - and come straight to you, especially if someone tells them to ‘keep it a secret’, or ‘play a game and not tell mum and dad’. Having them talk about such experiences is a healthy practice that will help them cope with and process what happened, and make sure your child’s safety is ensured.

Personal Space and Boundaries

Teach your little one the importance of setting personal boundaries. They need to understand the concept of personal space from a very young age. If they feel like someone is invading their space, they should not be afraid to yell out. Think of a phrase or a code word together, which they can yell, in case they feel like they are in danger. Choose something that will catch the attention of passers by.

Buddy System

Instruct your little ones to always stay in a group or with friends (or relatives) when outside. If your child is alone, make sure they know they have to call you to inform you they are alone.

Also, ensure they know they should never leave school, or anywhere with anyone else known or unknown unless you know of it, and are okay with it.

Information is Priceless

Ensure your children know their home address, mother and father full name and phone numbers. This will come in handy if they are in trouble and need to reach out to you.

Practice makes perfect

Spend time on the weekends and in the evenings verbally creating various virtual situations for your child to think about how they would respond if faced with a challenge. ‘What would you do if I am late to pick you up, and (familiar person) aunty offered to drop you home?’

This gives them the space to think of and tell you how they would respond to different situations. It also gives you the opportunity to correct them or suggest a safer alternative if you are uncomfortable with the solution they came up with and ensure your child safety at school or in any place in your absence.

Road Safety Rules

Teaching your child road safety rules should be a part of your routine to keep them safe. Teach them the right way of crossing a road. Make it a habit to practice this sequence every time you are together.

Also, encourage your child to walk on the side of the road where they can see the oncoming traffic.

Child’s Playground Safety

While your little one is playing in the park, it is necessary certain norms are followed. This not only ensure your child’s playground safety, but also the safety of others around them. While it is natural for them to be excited, make it a point that they wait for their turn on the swings or slides. Teach them to maintain a safe distance from the swings to avoid accidents. In case they are pushed or pulled, they need to be taught to reach out to you or an accompanying adult, instead of hitting the other child back!

Talk to your child, and do not forget to listen!

Talking to your child about their day, the happy moments and not so happy moments in their day, their friends, and their lives not only keeps them connected but also helps them feel safer. The most important balance to strike here is between talking and listening. The more you actually listen to what they have to say, the safer and more comfortable they will feel talking to you about anything.

Let us create safer communities

Please visit the Royal Bahamas Police Force Website at www.royalbahamaspolice.org or Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rbpforce for Latest News, Daily Crime Reports and additional Crime Prevention Tips