10 Safety Tips for Families

Child safety is always on the minds of parents. As a new school year approaches, families are seeking ways to increase safety as their children return to school, participate in sports, and, in some cases, interact with new groups and people.

Here are ten practical safety tips you can share with families to help them improve safety, protect their children, and prevent incidents.

1. Teach the “Touch Base” Rule

Before going anywhere, changing plans, or accepting gifts or rides from anyone, it’s essential to teach children always to check in or touch base with a trusted adult.

2. Establish Code Words

Having a code word is an excellent way for families to communicate with each other and identify potential safety threats. Families can create a password or code word that only they know. The password must be used by anyone picking up the child unexpectedly or in times of distress when a child needs to signal for help.

3. Identify Safe Adults

Whether children are walking in their neighborhood, at church, or at school, it’s helpful if they know who a safe adult is to turn to if something happens or if they need help. It’s also important to emphasize that they should never leave, go off alone, or get in a car with someone they don’t know.

4. Stress Personal Information Is Private

Today, children spend a significant portion of their day online, communicating with each other, planning games, watching videos, or browsing the web. Children need to understand what is or is not safe to share online, and that information such as PIN codes, addresses, school names, phone numbers, or location should be private.

5. Create a Family Safety Plan

A family safety plan works to ensure everyone’s safety by outlining a strategy to prepare for unexpected emergencies, natural disasters, family crises, or an active shooter situation. It helps identify potential threats, minimize risk, establish effective communication channels, and outline the necessary action steps to take if parents become separated from their kids, emergency contact information, and how to exit a burning building.

6. Listening to Your Inner Voice

Some refer to it as intuition, while others call it a gut feeling. However, families choose to define it; it’s critical to understand that it’s one of the best natural safety features humans have been given. Letting kids know it’s okay to say “no” or walk away if something seems off or doesn’t feel right.

7. Safety in Numbers

Teach kids to stay in groups. There is safety when two or more are together. Whether they are visiting the restroom, hanging out in a park, playing in their neighborhood, or leaving a gym or after a youth program.

8. Set Personal Boundaries

Unrestricted access is a predator’s advantage. Ensure kids understand the importance of appropriate touch and body safety. Let them know they are free to walk away from someone if they cross those lines.

9. Memorize Important Information

This is especially important for children under the age of 10. They should know their full name, address, one parent’s cell phone number, and a parent’s place of employment. Older children should memorize emergency contact information.

10. Maintain Open Communication

Open communication is one of the most effective ways families can protect their children. If kids feel safe sharing and don’t fear overreaction or judgment, parents find it easier to recognize dangerous situations and better understand what’s happening with their children.

Click here to learn more about the benefits of using secure mobile Express Check-In, children’s and youth check-in, and volunteer scheduling to help manage your events.

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Photo by Jessica Rockowitz on Unsplash