|
IMPORTANT ADVICE FOR PARENTS AND YOUNG PEOPLE It is probably a parent’s worst nightmare that their child will be attacked and assaulted or even worse abducted. Statistically the chance of your child becoming a victim is very low, the vast majority of children can play at home and in public areas knowing it is safe for them to do so. There are however a few simple precautions that you as parents can take to help keep your children safe. Young children, particularly those under the age of 12 years should never be left at home alone or permitted to be out unaccompanied. Never force a child to accept hugs or kisses from people they do not know. They should be encouraged to say ‘no’ if they do not like something. After all you may know and trust an uncle whom you haven’t seen for many years, your child may have never seen this person before. Your message to your child must be ‘Never speak to any strangers’. Always insist on knowing where your child is, who they are with and what they are doing. Check up on them. Be safe be sure. Tell your child to break all the rules to get away from strangers, by:
Tell your child never to get into a vehicle with a stranger or even someone they know, if they would not normally be offered a lift by that person and never to accept gifts without consulting their parents or guardians first. If your child is approached by anyone tell them to report it immediately to you, their teacher, a police officer, a school crossing warden, a shop keeper etc. It is important that your children are able to tell you exactly what has happened to them, and they will not be in any trouble if they do. They should not keep secrets as child molesters will often befriend young people and encourage them to ‘keep a little secret’. Never frighten your child with the Police, such as saying "Be good or I’ll tell the policeman and he’ll lock you up". Have you ever said something like that? If so, how can you expect your child to approach a police officer and tell them they are lost or they have been approached by a stranger? If you have the internet always use software that will stop children accessing adult sites. Computers should never be in young children’s bedrooms or where they cannot easily be supervised. Do you really know who your child is talking to? Tell your child to be SMART That's -
For more information about internet safeguards click on www.iwf.org.uk Jeff Howells Police Constable, Community Safety Gwent Police Headquarters, Cwmbran Telephone: 01633-838111 |