It is the back-to-school season again for the entire family. In recent weeks, families have been preparing for “September morning” by planning, budgeting and shopping for uniforms, accessories, textbooks and other school supplies.
However, Consumer Circle is calling on parents to add a spiritual and psychological training activity aimed at improving the safety and security of their children during the school term.
First, always begin the day with intentional prayer for protection, and petition God to increase the confidence and discerning spirit of your child.
In addition, there are ways to help the family in adopting safety habits while they are away from each other.
Here are 10 safety tips to teach your child:
1. Be confident and trust your inner spirit: “If you feel uncomfortable in any situation, leave that space”.
2. Do not accept rides or drinks from strangers at school, at the bus park, or on the bus.
3. If the designated driver does not show up at school, do not go with anyone else. Call your parents or your teacher before leaving the compound.
4. Do not stay in a bathroom or classroom where there is smoking or drinking of any substance.
5. Be aware of anything that is out of place in your surroundings.
6. Walk away from anyone with a weapon, fighting, cursing, or shouting in a confrontation.
7. If anyone threatens you and demand that you hand over your phone or cash, give it to them.
8. Choose your friends according to the [good] values you have been taught.
9. Do not share information with friends about being home alone, or the times a parent will be absent from home.
10. If a friend or taxi driver is taking you home, before you enter the vehicle, take a pic of the taxi make and model as well as license plate.
The following are ten safety tips for parents:
1. If you are walking with your child and suspect someone is following you, go to a well-lit populated area or police station.
2. Parents, if you are driving, honk your horn persistently, to get attention.
3. If you come home and suspect you have had a break-in, do not enter your home. Call a neighbour and the police.
4. Do not disclose that your child is home alone. Teach them not to display house keys while at school.
5. If they are at home alone and are being attacked, teach them to SCREAM and shout, “FIRE or THIEF and call 911 or the straight line to the nearest police station.
6. Do not use social media to talk about children’s school schedule of activities or your home life.
7. Do not allow service personnel into your house when your children are alone unless you know these persons very well.
8. Do not walk in isolated places at night and always park your car in a well-lit area.
9. Avoid going to the ATM at nights, but if you must, choose one located inside a well-lit, busy site.
10. Do not give your child any more cash than they need for that day. Teach them not to display too much cash in public.
Finally, parents can use digital technology to monitor the home remotely. A mobile App does not replace having a human presence being there for your children. However, it can reduce your anxiety if you can see your children and keep in touch until you can get home.
CONTACT: FCR NEWS TEAM