CSHB_2025_October by Associated Media Group Pty Ltd

Child Safety

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MESSAGE FROM HER EXCELLENCY THE HONOURABLE MARGARET BEAZLEY AO QC GOVERNOR OF NEW SOUTH WALES

The health and wellbeing of our children is everyone’s responsibility. As Patron of New South Wales Police Legacy, I am honoured to contribute a message to all parents, carers, teachers and members of the community who will read this new edition of the Child Safety Handbook.

Within these pages is a wealth of pro-active and preventative measures to keep our youngest and most vulnerable members of our community healthy and safe – at school and at home, with family members and with friends, while on the street and online, and during outdoor play and natural emergencies.

I congratulate New South Wales Police Legacy for its continuing commitment to providing a copy of this invaluable and updated resource to parents of primary school-aged children throughout our State.

Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AO QC

Governor

of New South Wales

FOREWORD BY PREMIER OF NEW SOUTH WALES

I have been fortunate to raise three boys, each different and beautiful in their own way. I understand how the health and safety of our children is a shared responsibility – one that requires institutions and individuals to work together.

This is why I am so happy to welcome the latest edition of the Child Safety Handbook. The handbook is full of practical advice to help parents, carers, and members of the community keep our kids safe and well.

The latest edition addresses a range of real-life issues, from safety online to bullying at school. We want our kids to be safe wherever they are, including at home, with friends, at school, online and in the outdoors.

I thank NSW Police Legacy and the Associated Media Group for their long-term commitment to this project. It is helping our youngest and most vulnerable citizens – our kids.

Chris Minns MP Premier of New South Wales

FOREWORD BY MINISTER FOR POLICE AND COUNTER-TERRORISM, MINISTER FOR THE HUNTER

Everyone has a responsibility when it comes to ensuring the happiness, safety and wellbeing of our kids. Our children can be vulnerable and we all must work together to keep them safe from abuse. As the Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, a top priority is making sure our kids are safe – now and into the future.

I hope you find this latest edition of the Child Safety Handbook useful. It’s an invaluable resource for parents and carers, full of realworld advice on staying safe online, in the classroom, playground and community.

On behalf of the NSW Government, I thank NSW Police Legacy for its ongoing effort and advocacy when it comes to keeping our kids safe.

Yasmin Catley Minister for Police and Counter-Terrorism Minister for the Huntet

ThinkUKnow Australia is a partnership between the Australian Federal Police, Microsoft Australia, Datacom and the Commonwealth Bank, and is delivered in collaboration with New South Wales Police Force and other Australian law enforcement agencies.

It aims to raise awareness amongst parents, carers and teachers of how young people might use technology, the challenges they may face and how to help them overcome these challenges.

THINKUKNOW WHAT YOUNG PEOPLE SEE, SAY & DO ONLINE?

ThinkUKnow is a free, evidence-based cyber safety program that provides presentations to Australian parents, carers and teachers and students. It provides information on the technologies young people use, the challenges they may face, and importantly, how they can be overcome. Presentations are delivered face to face or digitally

We aim to provide you with the tools to create a safer online environment for young people in your care. Our presentations cover what young people SAY, SEE and DO online.

Information For Parents:

Encourage your child’s school to book a ThinkUKnow presentation by completing the booking form on our website, or calling 1300 362 936 during business hours.

• Subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and issues.

• Visit our website www.thinkuknow.org.au for information and advice on raising children in a digital age.

Sponsored by the Hon. Paul Toole MP Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional NSW, Minister for Police

FOREWORD BY CHAIR OF NSW POLICE LEGACY

Like most parents, we all wish there had been a guidebook handed out with the birth of our children to help us navigate the ups and downs of raising them and keeping them safe.

The Associated Media Group must have heard us wishing, because the Child Safety Handbook provides the most up-to-date resources to help navigate the health and safety issues facing our children. It is an invaluable addition to any parenting toolbox in this modern and complex world we are living in.

NSW Police Legacy is very proud to have been associated with this important resource for more than eight years now, and grateful to all the organisations that advertise within it. Your continuing support benefits the families of deceased Police Officers across New South Wales.

Detective Superintendent Donna McCarthy APM Chair – New South Wales Police Legacy

CARING FOR THE POLICE FAMILY

NSW Police Legacy provides ongoing support services, programs, benefits, and social connection to police families that have suffered a loss.

CHILD SAFETY HANDBOOK

A VITAL HEALTH & SAFETY RESOURCE FOR PARENTS AND CARERS OF YOUNG CHILDREN

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS AND CONTRIBUTORS:

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS AND CONTRIBUTORS: CHILD SAFETY HANDBOOK

A VITAL HEALTH & SAFETY RESOURCE FOR PARENTS AND CARERS OF YOUNG CHILDREN

TRIPLE ZERO (000)

For emergencies or life threatening situations

NAME PHONE NUMBER WEBSITE

Alcohol & Drug Information Service

Alcoholics Anonymous

Australia

Allergy & Anaphylaxis

POLICE ASSISTANCE LINE (131 444)

For non emergencies

1800 250 015 (24/7) yourroom.health.nsw.gov.au/

1300 222 222 www.aa.org.au/

Australia 1300 728 000 www.allergyfacts.org.au

Australian Childhood Foundation (counselling for children affected by abuse)

Act Now Stay Secure (Cybersafety)

1300 381 581 www.childhood.org.au

https://www.actnowstaysecure. gov.au/

Alcohol and Drug Foundation 1800 250 015 adf.org.au

B Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 (24/7) www.beyondblue.org.au

C Child Protection Helpline 132 111 www.community.nsw.gov.au Crime Stopper 1800 333 000 nsw.crimestoppers.com.au

Dental Emergency (02) 9293 3333 1300 559 393

www.slhd.nsw.gov.au/oralhealth/ services_community.html

Domestic Violence Line 1800 656 463 dcj.nsw.gov.au

Domestic Family and Sexual Violence Counselling Service 1800 737 732 www.1800respect.org.au

Family Connect and Support

www.familyconnectsupport.dcj. nsw.gov.au

Family Drug Help 1300 660 068 www.familydrughelp.com.au

Family Drug Support Australia 1300 368 186 (24/7) www.fds.org.au

Family Relationship Advice Line 1800 050 321 www.familyrelationships.gov.au/ talk-someone/advice-line

Fire & Rescue NSW 000 www.fire.nsw.gov.au

Gender Centre (services and support for the trans & gender diverse community) (02) 9519 7599 www.gendercentre.org.au

H Headspace 1800 650 890 www.headspace.org.au

HealthDirect (24/7) 1800 022 222 www.health.nsw.gov.au/ callhealthdirect

ICanQuit 13 7848 (13 QUIT) www.icanquit.com.au

Indigenous Women's Legal Contact Line (Domestic Violence) (02) 8745 6977 1800 639 784 (rural) www.wlsnsw.org.au

Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 www.kidshelpline.com.au

L Legal Aid NSW (Law Access) 1300 888 529 www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/

Lifeline 13 11 14 (24 hours) www.lifeline.org.au

CRIME

STOPPERS

(1800 333 000)

To provide crime information anonymously

NAME

Marine Rescue NSW 02 9471 8300 or call 000 marinerescuensw.com.au

Mensline Australia 1300 78 99 78 (24/7) www.mensline.org.au

Mental Health Line 1800 011 511 (24/7) www.health.nsw.gov.au/ mentalhealth/Pages/mentalhealth-line.aspx

Mission Australia www.missionaustralia.com.au

National Security Hotline 1800 123 400 www.nationalsecurity.gov.au

NSW Rural Fire 1800 679 737 www.rfs.nsw.gov.au

Office of the e-Safety Commissioner 1800 880 176 esafety.gov.au

Parent Line

1300 1300 52 www.parentline.org.au

Poisons Information Centre 13 11 26 (24 hours) www.poisonsinfo.nsw.gov.au

Quitline – for counselling

Rape & Domestic Violence Counselling Line

13 7848 (13 QUIT) quit.org.au

1800 737 732 / 1800 RESPECT www.1800respect.org.au

Reachout au.reachout.com

Relationships Australia 1300 364 277 www.relationships.org.au

Salvation Army Care Line 13 SALVOS (13 72 58) salvos.org.au

State Emergency Service (SES) 132 500 www.ses.nsw.gov.au

Sexual Assault Crisis Line 1800 806 292 www.sacl.com.au

Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 (24/7) www.suicidecallbackservice. org.au

Sydney Childrens Hospital Randwick (02) 9382 1111 www.schn.health.nsw.gov.au

The Childrens Hospital Westmead (02) 7825 0000 www.schn.health.nsw.gov.au

Transcultural Mental Health Centre 1800 648 911 (transcultural mental health line) (02) 9912 3851 (clinical consultation service)

www.dhi.health.nsw.gov.au/ transcultural-mental-healthcentre

Translating and Interpreting Service 13 14 50 (immediate phone interpreting) https://www.tisnational.gov.au/

Victim Services 1800 633 063 victimsservices.justice.nsw. gov.au/

Womens Legal Service NSW (Domestic Violence)

02 8745 6988 1800 810 784 (rural) www.wlsnsw.org.au

Youth Fire Intervention program (02) 9742 7179 www.fire.nsw.gov.au/page. php?id=222 phone.

Link2home Homelessness 1800 152 152 www.nsw.gov.au/housingand-construction/socialaffordable/emergency-housing/ homelessness

SAFETY AT SCHOOL 9-11

Australian Student Wellbeing

Framework

Bullying

What is bullying?

What can I do if my child is being bullied?

What if my child has witnessed bullying?

What if I think my child is displaying bullying behaviour?

Help your child be resilient

Beyond bullying

What will my school have in place to deal with bullying?

SAFETY AT HOME 12-31

Advice for parents and carers to help kids stay safe online

Technology tips for parents with kids aged 5-12

The hard to have converations

It’s never too early to start talking about online safety

Cyberbullying

Door and Hinges Safety

Falls from Windows and Balconies

Blind and Curtain Cord Safety

Bunk Bed Safety

Toppling Furniture

Button Battery Safety

Water and Pool Safety

Home Pool Safety

Basic First Aid

Allergic Reactions

Sprains & Strains

Burns and Scalds

Heat-induced illness

Bleeding

DRSABCD Action Plan

Bleeding

Preparing for Emergencies

Poisoning

HEALTH AND SAFETY 32-41

Long Covid

What is Long Covid?

What are some of the symptoms of Long Covid?

How low does Long Covid last?

Who is at higher risk of Long Covid?

How do I manage Long Covid?

How to I protect myself from Long Covid?

Food allergy or intolerance?

What is an allergy?

How common is allergy?

What is Anaphylaxis?

What are the signs of an allergic reaction?

How to give an Epipen

Dental health

Tooth Decay

Cleaning Teeth

Tips to prevent dental disease

Dental Emergencies

Teeth Development

Healthy kids

The NSW Healthy School Canteen Strategy

Serve Sizes

The Australian Dietary Guidelines

Diabetes Asthma

FIRE, FLOOD & STORM SAFETY 42-55

Fire Safety

Home fire safety for caregivers and children

Smoke Alarms

Charging batteries safely

Plan a Safe Escape

Bush Fire Safety

Fire Danger Ratings

Get ready for bush fire

Storm, Flood and Tsunami Safety

Stormsafe

Your emergency checklist

Floodsafe

Emergency grab & go bag for pets

Tsunamisafe

STREET SMART

Road Safety

Keeping your children safe

Pedestrian Safety

Safety in Cars

Seat Belt Safety

What you must not do

Kids in hot cars

General safety in the car

Mobile phone use

Train Safety

Rail Crossing Safety

Light Rail Safety

Riding Safety

Skateboards, Scooter and Rollerblades

Metro Safety

School Bus Safety

Ferry Safety E-Scooters

Sun Safety

SLIP, SLOP, SLAP, SEEK, SLIDE

Beach Safety

Rip Currents

Sun Safety and Heat Stroke

Boating Safety

Wear a life jacket

Safe and responsible boating

Pets and Children

Off-Road Motorcycle Safety

Skateboards, Foot Scooters and Rollerblades

Kids on farms

Play safety

Vehicle safety

Farm water safety

Vaping

Do you know what they’re vaping?

What you can do as a parent or carer

Support to help your child quit vaping

Alcohol

Talking to your kids aged 15-17

Binge drinking – putting things in perspective

Talking to your kids aged 9-14

Top 10 tips for parents

Produced, published and distributed on behalf of NSW Police Legacy by: Associated Media Group Pty Ltd T: 02 9437 5155

www.amgroup.net.au

Special thanks to:

NSW Police Force

Fire & Rescue NSW

NSW Rural Fire Service

NSW Education & Communities

eSafety Commissioner

SES NSW

NSW Health

To support future editions of this handbook T: 02 9437 5155 E: cshb@amgroup.net.au

October 2025Update

The Hub is where you can access the Australian Student Wellbeing Framework and is a space for educators, parents and students to find resources to build safe, inclusive and connected school communities that promote wellbeing and learning.

About Wellbeing

As a parent you know that your child’s success at school is linked to their wellbeing. You want your child to be happy and well and to enjoy everything that school offers.

Wellbeing and learning go hand in hand.

Parents have a significant role to play in laying the foundation for their child’s wellbeing from their earliest years. When your child feels connected to their family, peers and teachers they feel safe and secure and know they’ll be supported throughout their learning journey. Safe and trusting relationships create a positive learning environment where wellbeing can flourish. The Australian Student Wellbeing Framework supports you to work with the school to promote your child’s wellbeing and learning.

SAFETY AT SCHOOL

BULLYING

Your child has the right to feel welcome and safe at school. We’re working hard to make sure our school communities are nurturing and supportive places where all students can learn and develop into caring, resilient and confident adults.

WHAT IS BULLYING?

It may seem obvious what bullying is, but there is a difference between students ‘not getting on’ and bullying each other. Learning how to resolve conflict and negotiate with people who have different personalities and opinions are important life skills that parents and schools need to help students develop.

Bullying is repeated verbal, physical, social or psychological behaviour that is harmful and involves the misuse of power by an individual or group towards one or more persons. Cyberbullying refers to bullying through information and communication technologies.

Bullying can involve humiliation, domination, intimidation, victimisation and all forms of harassment including that based on sex, race, disability, homosexuality or transgender. Bullying of any form or for any reason can have long term effects on those involved including bystanders.

Bullying can come in many forms for example:

• Being hit, tripped, kicked, pinched etc.

• Being called names, teased, put down etc.

• Being threatened, stalked, gestures etc.

• Being ignored, having rumours spread about you, excluding someone etc.

• Insulting someone in chat rooms, sending cruel or threatening emails/text messages; using the web, chat rooms or mobile phones to spread rumours or threaten someone or information about someone etc.

All forms of bullying between students are taken seriously by NSW public schools. However, any school situation that is causing your child concern, whether or not it fits the definition of bullying, should be reported to the school. Although the term “bullying” has a specific meaning and a school’s Anti-bullying Plan sets out the processes for preventing and responding to student bullying, schools also have a range of policies and practices, including welfare and discipline policies that apply to student behaviour generally.

What can I do if my child is being bullied?

If your child is being bullied it is not always easy for you as a parent to know when and how to support.

The first step is to stay calm and try and get all the facts. While it may be a case of bullying, it might

HOW CAN I TELL IF MY CHILD IS INVOLVED IN BULLYING?

Children who are bullied or are bullying others may respond and act differently.

Your child’s behaviour and mood can change for a variety of reasons. Be alert to the possibility that the change may be related to bullying.

You may notice your child:

• doesn’t want to go to school or participate in school activities

• changes their route to school or becomes frightened of walking to school

• drops in academic performance

• changes sleeping or eating patterns

• has frequent tears, anger, mood swings or anxiety

• takes money from home

• has unexplained bruises, cuts or scratches

• loses or brings home damaged belongings or clothes

• asks for extra pocket money or food

• arrives home hungry.

The signs of online bullying can be the same as signs of other bullying but may include other behaviours with phone and computers. For example, your child may:

• be hesitant about going online

• seem nervous when an instant message, text message or email appears

• be visibly upset after using tht eocmputer or mobile phone, or suddenly avoid it

• close a laptop or hide mobile phone when others enter the room

• spend unusually long house online.

Often children do not report bullying to their parents. This may be because they are afraid of upsetting their parents, feeling ashamed, afraid of making things worse, or worried that they may lose privileges such as access to the internet.

Visit Bullying. No Way to learn more about bullying.

also simply be the result of poor communication by one or both children. Kids often speak before they think and misunderstandings happen easily, especially online. By taking the time to understand the situation and remaining calm, you are helping your child.

Sometimes, as a first step, your child may just want some advice about things they could do the try to manage the situation. At other times it is important that action is taken immediately. It is important to:

• Listen calmly to your child.

• Show concern and support.

• Let your child know that telling you about the bullying was the right thing to do.

• Find out where and when it has been happening, who has been involved and if anyone else has seen it.

• Discuss the things your child has already done to try to solve the problem and suggest other things your child might try.

• Report the situation to your child’s school.

• Work with your child’s school to solve the problem.

• Encourage your child to report any further bullying incidents to a teacher they trust at the school.

• Let your child know how much you disapprove of bullying and why.

Technology has increased the ways bullying can happen. Mobile phones, emails, websites, chat rooms, social networking sites or instant messaging can all be used to bully others. If you believe your child is being cyberbullied, don’t ban them from the technology. Technology has an increasingly important role for young people both for their social development and in their learning. Discourage them from rereading the upsetting messages or comments because it compounds the hurt and throws the whole incident out of perspective. Do try to find ways for them to enjoy themselves away from the computer, doing the things that make them feel good about themselves.

Children often worry about being labelled “a dobber” and beg parents not to tell the school. However, bullying is a serious matter which is unlikely to be resolved if it’s ignored. Schools are able to manage the situation and provide effective support when they have all the facts. As a parent or caregiver, you have an important part to play in helping your child, and the school deal with bullying. Don’t approach the other students involved. No parent will appreciate you reprimanding their child and it will always make the situation much worse than if you remain calm and go through the right channels by contacting the school.

Your school’s Anti-bullying Plan will outline how bullying can be reported at your school, but you can always make an appointment with your school principal.

You may like to take your partner or a friend with you to the meeting, and that’s normally fine too. Just let the principal know. If you need an interpreter, the school can arrange that. Be sure to tell them when you make the appointment.

What if my child has witnessed bullying?

Tell the school. Bullying also hurts other students as well as the student who has experienced the bullying. Bystanders who observe bullying or are pressured to join in are also likely to be affected and will need support. It’s important for all children to understand that bullying isn’t okay, even if they are not directly involved. If your child has witnessed bullying you can help them, and help to keep other children safe by encouraging them to ask a teacher for help. This is very important if anyone’s safety is in jeopardy. Students should always think about their own safety and the safety of other people when deciding what to do.

You could also encourage your child to do any one or a combination of the following depending on the circumstances:

• Tell the person doing the bullying that what they are doing is bullying.

• Tell the person doing the bullying to stop.

• Refuse to join in with the bullying.

• Tell other bystanders not to encourage the person doing the bullying.

• Support the person who is being bullied.

• Encourage the person being bullied to tell their parents or a teacher.

What if I think my child is displaying bullying behaviour?

Discovering that your child has been displaying bullying behaviour can come as a huge shock for parents. Your first reaction may be defensive.

However, children who engage in bullying behaviour also need support to learn how to behave appropriately. Stay calm and discuss the issue with the principal of your child’s school. Work together with the school to make it clear to your child that bullying isn’t okay and to develop support strategies for your child. It may also be useful to make an appointment with the school counsellor.

Help your child be resilient

Kids can sometimes focus on what’s going wrong in their lives, and be less aware of the other friends, hobbies, sports and activities they enjoy. A few hours with friends can remind your child that there are good people around who care for and support them.

Beyond

bullying

Sometimes bullying or cyberbullying can involve criminal behaviour such as violence, threats, intimidation or inciting violence. If you or your child has received threats of physical or sexual violence or has been physically attacked you should immediately consider contacting your local police as well as your school for assistance. The school may report a matter to the police as well.

What will my school have in place to deal with bullying?

Parents and schools work together to help students develop good citizenship and the communication and relationship skills that help prevent bullying behaviour. At school your child will be learning about their rights and responsibilities and will be supported to develop the skills to treat others with respect, communicate their ideas and feelings appropriately and deal with conflict.

The NSW Department of Education requires all NSW government schools to have an Anti-

bullying Plan that complies with the Bullying: Preventing & Responding to Student Bullying in Schools Policy. You can ask for a copy of your school’s Plan from your school. Many schools also make their Anti-bullying Plan available on their websites.

The school’s Anti-bullying Plan will explain what is considered to be bullying behaviour and how that behaviour is viewed by the school. It will outline what responsibilities schools, students and parents have to prevent and respond to bullying behaviour, how bullying can be reported and what will happen when it is.

Your school will take action when it has been reported that a student has been bullied by another student at school or during a school activity that is held away from school.

The school can also take action in response to bullying behaviour between students outside of school hours or off the school premises where there is a clear and close connection between the school and the conduct of the students.

The response of the school to a reported incident of bullying or cyberbullying will depend on the details of the particular incident and may range from support to disciplinary action.

Remember the school will need time to investigate and to talk to teachers and other students.

All NSW public schools have access to school counsellors who can help children deal with problems and become more resilient.

School counsellors are experienced teachers who have a degree in psychology and graduate qualifications in school counselling. They can help students who are feeling sad or anxious, or are having difficulties in their relationships with other students.

School counsellors may work across more than one school, so you will need to speak with the principal to organise an appointment for your child.

CONTACTS

PARENT LINE

Parent Line is a telephone counselling, information and referral service for parents of children ages 0 to 18, who live in New South Wales. Parents, grandparents and carers anywhere in the state can call Parent Line on 1300 1300 52 for no more than the cost of a local call. www.parentline.org.au

KIDS HELPLINE

Tel 1800 55 1800 - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for advice on child health and parenting. www.kidshelpline.com.au

SAFETY AT HOME

ADVICE FOR PARENTS AND CARERS TO HELP KIDS STAY SAFE ONLINE

Online bullying can have a devastating impact on young people, whose online life is a key part of their identity and how they interact socially.

Cyberbullying behaviour takes many forms, such as sending abusive messages, hurtful images or videos, nasty online gossip, excluding or humiliating others, or creating fake accounts in someone’s name to trick or humiliate them.

TECHNOLOGY TIPS FOR PARENTS OF KIDS AGED 5-12

• Ensure your own devices are protected by a password or PIN, so your child cannot accidentally go online without you.

• Set parental controls on your computer, phone and any other devices your child will use so you can restrict available content to apps and sites you have chosen. Choose a handful of sites you are comfortable with, and bookmark them on the device your child uses. You can add to the list as they get older and need greater access.

See parental controls

• Check out Raising Children Network’s healthy screen time and quality media choices: 2-5 years.

THE HARD-TO-HAVE CONVERSATIONS

Digital technologies are part of life for most children and young people. Talking with them about what they see online, including pornography, can help them understand issues and keep them safe from harm.

These tips for starting the chat can be useful whatever the age of your child. You can adapt them to your child’s interests, personality, level of development and maturity.

WORK OUT WHAT YOU WANT TO SAY

You may need to adapt the conversation for children based on their abilities and experiences to suit their diverse needs.

• Balance giving your child protective messaging against overwhelming them with too much information or increasing their curiosity, especially if they’re not already aware of sex and

pornography. Your approach will depend on your own family values and the maturity of your child.

• You can build up to conversations about sex and pornography by talking first about things like puberty, gender, body image and body safety.

• Focus more on how your child is feeling rather than on what they may have seen. Children at this age may feel ‘yucky’ and scared by sexual content –even violated – but they may also feel curious. Try to respond to your child’s curiosity calmly, so they will always feel comfortable about coming to you for help.

THINK ABOUT WHEN AND WHERE TO CHAT

Going somewhere with your child where you can talk privately without being interrupted can help keep the conversation focused. It may be less awkward if you chat while you’re doing something else together, like taking a walk or a car trip.

Having lots of little chats that match your child’s age and stage of development can be more effective than one big conversation, if you realise they are not comfortable.

Your child may find it easier to speak with another trusted adult. Talk with them about putting together a team of people they trust and can go to if they want to chat about personal issues or need help. You can find out more about how to do this on this page

Talking about child sexual abuse online with 0 to 12 year olds

PLAN HOW TO START

Leading parenting expert Dr Justin Coulson says the hardest part is often deciding where to begin. Here are some suggestions:

• I don’t really know what to say, but we have to have a talk about pornography/ sex/ sending nudes.’ You can admit ‘I find it really difficult to talk about these topics, but I want you to know some information that will help keep you safe online.’

• I read an article today that said kids are seeing pornography/ sexual content/ nudes at young ages. Can we talk about it?’

• I want to talk with you about one of those awkward topics. Is that OK?’ (Children rarely say ‘no’, but if they do, respect that, and then set up a time where you can talk.)

After your child has agreed to talk with you, here are some ways to keep things moving:

• Have you heard the word pornography/ sex/ sexting? What do you know about it?’ and ‘Have you seen it online?’

• Sometimes questions about your child’s behaviour may be too confronting, so asking about their friends or classmates can feel safer. For example ‘Have any of the kids at school seen it?’ or ‘Do any of the kids at school ever talk about it? What do they say?’

• If you know your child has seen pornography, nudes or other sexual content, it’s better to say something like ‘When you were looking at pornography/ nudes the other night...’ rather than ‘Have you seen pornography/ nudes?’

• If they have seen it, ask: ‘Did someone show it to you? Or did you find it yourself?’ Try to find out what you can about how they found it and why they were searching for it, without getting upset or angry. Reassure them that they are not in trouble. Ask: ‘When you saw it, how did it make you feel?’ Discuss those feelings.

• Depending on your child’s questions and maturity, you may like to discuss related issues including consent and respectful relationships. It’s also a good time to prepare them for a discussion about online risks – you’ll find lots of tips in our pages on preventing child sexual abuse online.

• Check if your child has any other questions or if you have explained things enough for them.

• Let your child know that any question is OK to ask – nothing is off limits. If you don’t know the answer to one of their questions, tell them you will help them find out. When you have the answer, use it as an opportunity to have another talk.

BE CURIOUS

Asking questions – about what your child knows about sex, pornography online, online risks and how they feel about it – may help you work out how much they understand. It can also stop it sounding like a lecture. You can also balance the questions with your own observations, so it doesn’t sound like you’re interrogating them. For example, you could ask:

• Do kids at your school talk about watching online porn?’

• Do you think it was right for them to post that video online of their friend having sex? What do you think might happen to them now that they’ve done that?’

• What do your friends think about sending nudes? Do you agree with them?’

• Have you ever been sent a nude? How did you feel? What did you do?’

• Has anyone asked you to send a nude? How did that make you feel?’

• Have you ever felt uncomfortable about someone contacting you online?’

PREPARE FOR QUESTIONS OR WORRIES

Let your child know you are there to help them whenever they have questions about issues like pornography, sex and sexting – even if you find out that something has gone wrong online or they think they’ve made a mistake. This will help them understand they can trust you.

It’s also good to plan what to do and say if your child does come to you to talk about something they have seen or experienced. This can help you respond calmly and support them to recover or learn from the experience.

You can use reassuring language like:

• I understand what you’re saying, and I’m glad you came to me about this. You’re not in trouble, we can deal with this together.’

• What help do you need at the moment? Would you like me to answer some questions or sort out a problem with you?’

• You might not want to tell me all the detail, but if we can talk honestly about what’s happened I promise I’ll listen and stay calm. No matter what happens, we can do this and I will continue to love you.’

FIND MORE HELP

Here are some things that may help you start the conversation with your child:

• Get a book to explore with them – there are lots of suitable books on this topic for children of different ages.

• Find an educational video for your child that’s suitable for their age and maturity, and watch it with them.

• Find a trusted adult, such as an aunt, uncle or teacher to help with the conversation. Teachers may also be able to suggest helpful resources.

• Talk to the school counsellor, a professional counselling service or Kids HelplineExternal link or ParentlineExternal link, especially if you’re worried about your child’s sexual behaviour or attitudes.

GET HELP NOW

If a child in your care says they’ve been abused or assaulted online, it’s very important to get help quickly.

• Stay calm. Listen and believe them.

• If the child is in Australia and is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000) or your local police on 131 444.

• Any type of suspected child sexual abuse or exploitation, including grooming, should be reported to the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE)External link. The child can make a report themselves, or an adult can help them. Or you can make an anonymous report to Crime Stoppers at crimestoppers.com.auExternal link or 1800 333 000.

• Anyone can report online child sexual exploitation and abuse material to eSafety at any time, so we can have it removed. Your report can be anonymous.

• Anyone whose nude or sexual image or video has been shared online without their consent can report it to eSafety, so we can have it removed.

• The TakeItDownExternal link tool can provide a secure, anonymous way to prevent sexual images or videos being uploaded and shared on a range of online platforms and services.

• There are many counselling and support services that help children who have experienced sexual abuse, including grooming, and their families. These are listed on the ACCCE External link website.

IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO START TALKING ABOUT ONLINE SAFETY

As a parent or carer, you can help to keep your child safe and ensure they get the most out of being online.

WHY IS ONLINE SAFETY IMPORTANT FOR UNDER 5S?

We all put safety measures in place for young children, from baby gates to sun protection and encouraging road awareness. Now that using digital devices is part of daily family life, it’s a good idea to take steps to keep them safe online too.

When you think about it, children are watching and experiencing life online from a very early age. Babies may see their parents using screens from the moment the first photo of them is snapped. Their early babbling words can be shared with grandparents on video calls. Many toddlers can swipe before they can talk.

Often by age 3, children are watching programs and playing games online, as well as exploring the internet with parents, carers and early childhood educators. By age 4, some children can independently navigate the internet on a touchscreen — children no longer need the fine motor skills or literacy required to use a mouse and

keyboard to access the online world.

Also, the ‘Internet of Things’ is growing and household items like smart speakers and children’s toys can record and share data, blurring online and offline activities.

In fact, according to eSafety research 81 percent of Australian parents say their 2 to 5 year old uses the internet.

There are many benefits to connecting online, but there are also potential harms that children may not yet understand.

The risk of exposure to these harms increases with the amount of time they spend online, but simply restricting screen use is not enough to protect them.

It’s important to help your child build their digital intelligence so they have the skills to protect themselves long after they have left your side. This is why we say it’s never too early to start talking about online safety.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS?

There are three main types of risk to keep in mind, so you can help prevent unintentional exposure to harms, including child sexual abuse online.

• Contact risks — for example, your child may talk or play online with someone they don’t know; or their data may be harvested while they are playing with a connected device, revealing personal information like their name, age and location.

• Conduct risks — for example, others may be unkind or disrespectful to your child; this may escalate into cyberbullying (threatening, intimidating, harassing or humiliating a child online); or later in life your child’s permanent ‘digital footprint’ may include information and images they would prefer were not public, such as photos of them that you or other family members or friends

once tagged and shared online.

• Content risks for example, your child could watch poor quality shows or play games unsuitable for their age; or they may accidentally view age-inappropriate content, like pornography.

Interestingly, a study by one of eSafety’s consultants, Professor Susan Edwards, found that 89% of 4-year-olds would click on a pop-up, even if they could not read it and did not know what it was about. Also, 73% of 4-year-olds surveyed said they would tell someone their name and address online, and 70% would tell them their age.

This is why it’s important to model good screen habits and talk to your child early about using digital technology safely, even before they know the difference between being ‘online’ and ‘offline’.

PRACTICAL TIPS TO USE WITH UNDER 5S

Many of us didn’t need online safety skills when we were children, so we are still learning how to manage the risks ourselves. To help parents and carers of children under 5, eSafety has developed some easy-to-follow tips.

1. Model good screen habits

The first thing you can do as a parent or carer is to be more aware of how you interact with digital technology, especially how often you pick up your phone. This can start from when your child is a baby — remember, they are watching and learning from you every moment. Think about how much time you devote to texting, checking social media or being distracted by screens.

Read more advice on how to model good screen practices for your child.

2. Set some rules

Toddlers and preschoolers can learn rules to keep them safe while they are using devices, like when to ask for help. They can also be encouraged to think critically about who can contact them and how sharing information might affect them.

You can fill out our family tech agreement with your child to help set some boundaries – the characters from ABC Play School make it fun to do. You can also watch a special Play School episode about online safetyExternal link together.

For more ideas, read our advice on screen time.

3. Start talking about using screens safely

Talking about using screens safely from a very early age encourages habits that will help your child as they explore, learn, create and connect with others online.

You can begin by talking to toddlers and preschoolers about what you are doing on your screen as you search for an address, send a text or post a picture on social media. Encourage them to ask questions and help them to understand what you are doing and why. You can also talk to your child about what they like to do online – read how to choose good online content to help guide this discussion.

Next, start including our four key eSafety Early Years messages in your conversations — they will help your child both online and offline.

• Be safe — help your child understand the connected world, how they can protect their personal information and who it is safe to communicate with online.

• Be kind — show your child how to be kind and respectful online and model good habits around device use and online sharing.

• Ask for help — teach your child when to ask for help and let them know they can come to you with any issue.

• Make good choices — help your child to think critically about the content they watch and how they spend their time online.

You can find more advice about how to use and explain these messages in our Online safety for under 5s booklet. We also have advice on how to talk with your child about preventing the risk of child sexual abuse online.

CYBERBULLYING

Cyberbullying is when someone is mean to a child or young person online so they feel bad or upset.

Online bullying can be devastating for young people, whose online activities are a key part of their

identity and how they communicate. It can include online hate, trolling, harassment and threats.

Key points:

• If your child is experiencing online hate or bullying, you might feel like you want to stop them using devices, but that can mean they miss out on important experiences. This page outlines some other options.

• Children and young people are better able to cope with cyberbullying when they have the support of at least one trusted adult.

• Parents can help their child deal with the bullying by listening to them, collecting evidence like screenshots, helping them to report abuse to the game, app or social media service where it’s happening, and supporting them to get help from counselling services like Kids Helpline.

• If the cyberbullying is severe and the platform doesn’t help, eSafety can help remove content shared online, and provide more support.

Targeted advice is also available for kids, young people or adults who may be experiencing online abuse.

If the service or platform does not help and the cyberbullying is seriously harming a child or young person, then eSafety can help to have the content removed. For more information, see our page on reporting cyberbullying.

For eSafety to investigate, the child or young person must live in Australia, and the type of cyberbullying must meet a legal ‘threshold.’ This means it must be likely to harm their physical or mental health because it is seriously threatening, seriously intimidating, seriously harassing or seriously humiliating.

A parent or guardian can report serious cyberbullying to eSafety even without the consent of their child, if they are able to collect the evidence required.

I THINK MY CHILD IS BEING BULLIED

Your child may not tell you if they are experiencing bullying behaviour online because of a fear it might make things worse for them, or that they may lose access to their devices and the internet. They may also feel ashamed, especially if they have also been involved in bullying others online.

Signs to watch for:

• Being upset after using the internet or their devices, such as mobile phones

• Changes in personality, such as becoming more withdrawn, anxious, sad or angry

• Appearing lonelier or more distressed

• Unexpected changes in friendship groups

• A slide in their school results

• Changes in their sleep patterns

• Avoiding school or clubs

• A decline in their physical health

• Becoming secretive about their online activities and device use.

If you are concerned about changes in your child’s behaviour, it’s a good idea to take action. You could talk to your GP or contact Kids Helpline for support.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CHILD IS BEING CYBERBULLIED

Before you do anything else

If your child is being threatened, or if they indicate a wish to harm themselves, it’s important to get help. Call Triple Zero (000) immediately if their physical safety is at risk.

Contact a counselling and support service like Kids HelplineExternal link.

Try to resist immediately taking away their device

Removing your child’s phone, or computer or other devices could be really unhelpful. Cutting off their online access removes an essential tool for them to communicate and connect with friends and can make social isolation worse. It may also stop them finding important information to support their mental health.

Stay calm and open — don’t panic

You want your child to feel confident that you’re not going to get upset, angry or anxious if they tell you about the situation. You want them to know they can talk with you and feel heard.

If possible, take some time to get into a calm, helpful mindset before providing support. Then you can ask open ended questions to try to learn more about the situation. Talk with them without being judgemental or angry, and make them feel like they can talk with you about anything, without fear of being punished.

Listen, think, pause

Try to understand the problem. Is it limited to a peer group or is it more widespread? Is it a few mean remarks here and there? Or is it ongoing and more harmful? Let your child know that you understand how they feel, and you will work through the problem together. Try to provide them with

information about options to help them feel more in control.

Don’t rush to a solution. You or your child may need time to consider options to address the bullying. Take things one step at a time. Explaining when the next step or talk will happen and providing your child with as much information as possible can be helpful if they are feeling anxious that things are not happening quickly enough.

Consider the type of support needed. Serious cyberbullying often happens alongside other types of harms to children. When you’re working out how to respond, consider how the cyberbullying happened and what your child needs. For example, if your child was physically attacked and that has been shared online, first go to the police. It may also be helpful to seek mental health counselling and support for your child.

Once your child’s immediate safety and wellbeing needs have been met, you can consider getting help to get the shared posts taken down.

Collect

evidence

Don’t delete the abusive content straight away. Instead, start by taking screenshots and collecting other evidence, including the dates and times it happened and details of the account used to post or send the material.

The evidence may be useful if the behaviour continues and you need a record of how long it has been going on. You will also need proof if you decide to report it.

But make sure you don’t save nudes or sexual images or videos of anyone under 18, as that is usually illegal. Instead, record URLs and profile names to provide as evidence.

Find out more about how to collect evidence.

Report the online harm

Report the content to the relevant online service provider. Many social media services, games, apps and websites have a simple process to report content posted by other people. The eSafety Guide has more information about how to report issues to commonly used online services.

If the service provider does not help, you or your child can report to eSafety. We will ask you to complete our online reporting form and to include proof that you have already reported it to the service provider such as a receipt, reference or report number.

eSafety will work out if the abuse meets the legal definition of what can be removed. We can then take action to get serious cyberbullying material taken down and provide you with more advice and support.

Find out more about how to report abusive content.

Prevent further contact

Advise your child not to retaliate or respond to bullying messages, as sometimes people say hurtful things just to get a response and it could make things worse. If they have already responded, encourage them not to respond further.

Help your child to use in-app functions to ignore, mute or block the other person.

Encourage your child to check their privacy settings and restrict who can see their posts and profile page.

Ongoing cyberbullying cases can sometimes go on for months, so it can be important to give the person experiencing the bullying a break from looking at it or recording the evidence. You could ask your child if you can continue to collect the evidence on their behalf, or ask a trusted adult to help collect evidence. It’s important when involving friends to be careful that they don’t experience harm or distress from their involvement.

Reach out for more support

If you feel they may be struggling to open up to you, connect them with other trusted adults or with counselling or health support.

Check in with your child from time to time about how they are feeling. Keep an eye on their eating and sleeping habits, their ability to concentrate and make decisions, and their overall mood.

If you notice any changes that concern you, get help for your child through a counselling or support service.

Your child’s school may have a policy in place to address cyberbullying and may be able to provide support, whether or not the bullying is from a student at your child’s school. With your child’s agreement, talk with their teacher or the school counsellor.

If something has happened at your child’s sports club, contact the sport organisation for help – they may have policies around online safety in place. You can find more advice in our Sports hub.

Empower your child

You know your child best, so keep in mind the strategies you know will work best for them. Wherever possible, try to build your child’s confidence and help them make decisions for themselves, rather than telling them what to do. Help your child identify tools they can use to work through the current situation, such as information that supports their mental health. This can build their recovery and coping skills (or ‘resilience’) for any future challenges. Check out Good habits start young for some tips.

It’s also useful to encourage positive connections.

Try to help them keep engaged with interests like sports or other activities that connect them with young people outside school, or with activities that involve extended family. These things will remind your child that they are loved and lovable.

I am worried my child may be bullying others

It is best to deal with any bullying behaviour as soon as possible, before it gets too serious or becomes a regular pattern. Bullying behaviour may include treating others badly, being dismissive of their feelings, or intentionally excluding them. It can also include seriously harmful behaviour like sharing someone else’s intimate images, which is imagebased abuse. If you are worried your child may be bullying others, good habits start young has some useful advice.

Advice for different age groups

Under 5s

Start setting good habits with your preschooler. It’s never too early to start talking about safe and respectful behaviour online. Help your child understand that what they say or do is just as important online as it is offline.

HELP AND RESOURCES

Kids 5-12

Encourage your child to use the same good manners and communication they would use offline, and remind them it is okay to report others who are not being nice.

Make sure they are aware of our cyberbullying advice for kids.

Young people 13-17

Talk about the possibility of cyberbullying before it happens and discuss strategies that you are both comfortable with, so they know what to expect if they tell you about any issues that happen online.

Encourage them to change their privacy settings on apps like social media and gaming sites to restrict who can contact them, and to be careful about who they accept as friends.

Recommend that they avoid responding to negative messages and actively report abusive people to platforms and services before blocking them.

Encourage them to tell you, or another trusted adult, about any negative incidents and to take screenshots of abusive posts or messages for reporting – it may be best to hold the saved messages for them so they don’t have to view them again.

Make sure they are aware of our cyberbullying advice for young people.

For more information visit esafety.gov.au

Check out the following support services and resources to help you keep your family safe online.

The Office of the Children’s eSafety Commissioner esafety.gov.au

The Office’s website contains information and related links to support parents in keeping kids safe online. Resources include practical, action focussed advice, videos, games, support, and research-based information, and everything is free of charge.

School support

Many schools have detailed policies and procedures in place to help support children online, including how to manage issues like cyberbullying, sexting and

other online concerns. The Department of Education policies in each state provide information for students, teachers, parents and the broader community to help raise awareness and counter the inappropriate use of technology. For more information, contact your child’s school.

eheadspace eheadspace.org.au

eHeadspace is a confidential, free and secure space where young people aged 12 to 25 or their family can chat, email or speak on the phone with a qualified youth mental health professional.

Parentline parentline.com.au or phone 1300 30 1300 Parentline provides a counselling, information and referral service for Parents that operates 7days a week between 8am-10pm.

Lifeline Australia lifeline.org.au or phone 13 11 14

Lifeline provides free 24hour crisis counselling and information about support services.

Crime Stoppers NSW crimestoppers.com.au or phone 1800 333 000 Crimestoppers or your local police can assist with concerns about children’s personal safety.

Online counselling

If you suspect or know that a child is being negatively impacted by things happening to them online, consider seeking professional support for them.

Kids Helpline kidshelpline.com.au or phone 1800 55 1800

Kids Helpline service provides free, confidential online counselling for children and young people.

Kids Helpline also provides young people experiencing problems online with free and private web chat counselling.

DOORS AND HINGES SAFETY

Doors, hinges and jammed finger injuries

Children under five years are particularly prone to jammed finger injuries.

When children get their fingers jammed in doors and hinges, they can end up with crushed, fractured and even amputated fingers.

The hinge side of the door often causes the worst injuries, especially for children aged 1-2 years. Older children tend to hurt themselves more often in the opening or handle side of the door.

Finger protection strips and door guards

More children are injured by the hinge side of the door than the handle side.

Finger protection strips can help to prevent these injuries. They’re long flexible strips that you can install along the length of a door’s hinge side. They stop children from putting their fingers in the hinge side.

Many finger protection strips don’t affect the

appearance of your home, are easily installed and don’t change the way your doors work. You can find out about these products at child safety centres at children’s hospitals or your local hardware shop.

You can also ask about putting finger protection strips in place at your child’s kindergarten, child care centre or school and classroom.

To prevent finger jams on the handle side of the door, you can use simple and cheap door guards. These are U-shaped, soft, flexible pieces of foam that clip onto the top or side edge of the door and stop it from fully closing.

More ways to prevent jammed finger injuries from doors and hinges

Here are more ideas to stop little fingers and hands getting jammed in doors and other places.

CHECK

• Check that your child’s hands are well out of the way before opening and closing doors, including car doors.

• Check that your child’s fingers aren’t in the way before closing windows in the car.

TEACH

• Teach your child not to slam doors, and not to play around them.

• Teach your child to keep their fingers away from the hinge side of doors.

PROTECT

• Drape towels over tops of doors to keep them ajar.

• Place hook-and-eye latches high on doors, and/ or wedges under doors to stop them closing on their own.

• Use doorstops to hold doors open and prevent them from slamming shut. Doorstops and weighted closing systems can stop doors from slamming suddenly.

• Install slow-release rather than spring-operated door closers to prevent doors slamming.

Jammed finger injuries often involve another person, especially another child – for example, a child playing with an older sibling. The children try to close the door on each other, and one of them ends up with a finger jammed in the door.

raisingchildren.net.au

Learn more about doors and hinges safety

FALLS FROM WINDOWS AND BALCONIES

Children are admitted to hospital each year, with serious injuries, as a result of falling from a window or balcony. These falls often happen in the child’s own home, over the warmer months when families leave windows and doors to balconies, open both during the day and at night. Children aged from one to five years are most at risk, as they are naturally curious, but lack the ability to recognise danger.

WINDOW SAFETY

How are children injured?

• Children may fall out of windows if they are able to climb on furniture to reach the window, or if they are jumping or playing on a bed near an open window.

• Injuries resulting from children falling from windows range from cuts and bruises to head injuries, broken limbs and even death.

How common are these injuries?

Of the children who have presented to CHW:

• 80% had significant or severe injuries;

• 80% had fallen more than two metres;

• 3 out of 5 cases admitted to hospital were boys;

• 80% were under 5 years of age;

• 50% of these falls involved furniture near the window.

Remember:

• Beds and other furniture should be kept away from windows, so that children cannot climb up to windows.

• Children should be taught to play away from windows.

• Where possible, open windows from the top.

• Do not rely on flyscreens to prevent a child from falling out of a window. Falls Prevention Warning labels are available for purchase via the Australian Glass & Window Association

• All windows, where the floor level below the window is 2m above ground level, should have window locks/latches fitted to stop them opening more than 12.5cm, or guards should be installed to protect the opening.

• Children should always be supervised.

BALCONY SAFETY

A balcony is a platform above ground level that comes out from the w¬¬all of a building. If it is more than 1m above ground level it must be surrounded by a balustrade.

How are children injured?

• Children may get their head, arms or legs caught in the space between balustrade openings.

• Babies may fall through balustrade openings if the gaps are too wide.

• Children may trip on steps or doorframes leading to the balcony and fall on the hard surface of the

balcony floor.

• Children may fall off the balcony if they are able to climb over the balcony balustrade. For example, horizontal rails in balustrades allow children to climb over balustrades. Objects such as pot plants or outdoor furniture, placed next to balustrades may also be used as ladders to climb on.

How common are these injuries?

Of the children who have presented to CHW, approx

• 75% were under 5 years of age;

• 40% occurred in summer;

• 3 out of 5 cases admitted to hospital were boys.

Remember:

• Make sure that your balcony or stair balustrade (railing) is at least 1m high and that vertical bars are no more than 12.5cm apart (use a ruler to measure the gaps between your vertical balustrade posts).

• Your balustrade should have no horizontal or near horizontal parts that would allow children to climb.

• All furniture, pot plants and other climbable objects should be kept away from the edge of balconies.

• Be aware of furniture that is light enough for children to drag to the balcony edge.

• Check balustrades regularly to ensure that they are in good condition.

• Supervise your children while they are on the balcony.

• Keep doors leading to balconies locked so that children cannot gain access to them.

• Do not allow children to play on stairs.

• Install stair gates at the top and bottom of stairs to prevent young children from gaining access to them.

Source: The Children’s Hospital at Westmead

Children

can fall out of a window which is open more than 12.5cm, even if a fly screen is present.

Learn more about Falls from Windows and Balconies

Steps for protecting children

Take these four simple steps to and curtain cords/chains are out particularly from children under six.

Learn more about Blind and Curtain Safety

1. Check your blind and curtain

Check for loose or looped cords child can reach from the floor on furniture.

protecting children

Immediately tie cords out of reach away any furniture children might reach them.

Do this anywhere you are staying, on holiday.

simple steps to ensure that blind cords/chains are out of reach of children, children under six. and curtain cords looped cords that your from the floor or by climbing

2. Secure your cords out of reach

Buy cleats or tensioning devices cords from a hardware store blind shop.

Use screws to fix each cleat or tensioning device in a place that is out of reach of children.

cords out of reach and move children might climb on to

Never secure these devices with materials that may fail when a load is placed on them, such as double-sided tape or glue.

are staying, including out of reach

tensioning devices for securing hardware store or curtain and each cleat or tensioning device out of reach of children. these devices with materials that load is placed on them, such as or glue.

BLIND AND CURTAIN CORD SAFETY

1. Check your blind and curtain cords

Check for loose or looped cords that your child can reach from the floor or by climbing on furniture. Immediately tie cords out of reach and move away any furniture children might climb on to

Do this anywhere you are staying, including

2. Secure your cords out of reach

a Buy cleats or tensioning devices for securing cords from a hardware store or curtain and blind shop.

a Use screws to fix each cleat or tensioning device in a place that is out of reach of children.

x Never secure these devices with materials that may fail when a load is placed on them, such as doublesided tape or glue.

If you cannot fix your unsafe cords and chains out of reach yourself, get a reliable tradesperson to do it for you. If you are renting your home, seek help from your landlord or agent.

3. Choose safe blinds and curtains

Buy new curtains and blinds which:

a comply with the national mandatory standard a have warning labels to remind you of dangers to children

a provide a way to secure cords/chains so there are no loops or strands that children can reach, or a operate without exposed cords/chains.

4. Keep children away from all cords/chains

a Move anything a young child can sit in, stand or climb on (like cots, highchairs, beds, sofas, tables, chairs and bookshelves) away from cords/ chains—even those tied around a cleat, as your child may be able to untie them.

x Do not let children play near cords/chains they can reach.

x Never leave children alone in a room with cords/chains they can reach.

For more information contact ACCC & BMAA

BUNK BED SAFETY

Bunk beds can be a great space-saving option for smaller rooms and kids love them. If your children are using bunk beds...Think safety first with these helpful tips.

• Use a safe model

Only buy a bunk bed that complies with the Australian Standard (AS/NZS 4220). By law, all new bunk beds sold in Australia must meet this standard. Ask the retailer if you’re not sure.

• Age does matter!

Only children over the age of 9 years should use the top bunk. Make sure younger children only sleep on the bottom bunk.

• Avoid gaps

There should be no gaps between 95 mm and 230mm anywhere in the vicinity of the top bunk, as children can trap their head. Check there are no unsafe gaps in the guardrails and between the wall and the bunk bed.

• Guard against injury

Guardrails are important to keep your child safe in the top bunk. Make sure the top of the guardrail is at least 160mm above the top of the mattress and extends around all four sides on the bunk bed. You also need a guardrail on the wall-side of a bunk bed unless the bed is permanently attached to the wall.

TOPPLING FURNITURE

Why Anchor It?

Small children have died or suffered serious injuries from unstable furniture. Small children can be trapped under furniture; unable to breathe or be hit/struck by falling furniture. You can prevent death or injury to small children when choosing and securing furniture in your home.

There are simple ways to prevent death or serious injury to small children when choosing and securing furniture in your home by anchoring furniture.

Buy Safe

• Purchase low-set furniture or furniture with sturdy, stable and broad bases.

• Look for furniture that comes with safety information or equipment for anchoring it to the walls.

• Test the furniture in the shop—make sure it is stable. For example, pull out the top drawers of a chest of drawers and apply a little pressure to see how stable it is; make sure the drawers do not fall out easily.

• Secure the ladder

Make sure any screws or fasteners are secure and tight. If you have a detachable ladder, make sure you securely reattach it before your child climbs to the top bunk. Never remove the ladder while your child isin the top bunk.

• Keep space overhead

Keep at least 2 m of space between the top bunk and the ceiling fan.

• Don’t play on them

Be sure your children realise their bunk bed isn’t a substitute for a trampoline! Children should never jump or play on a bunk bed, especially the top bunk.

For more information on product safety visit www.qld.gov.au/fairtrading

Use Safe

• Attach, mount, bolt or otherwise secure furniture to walls and floors.

• Do not put heavy items on top shelves of bookcases.

• Place televisions at the back of cabinets or secure them to the wall.

• Discourage small children from climbing on furniture.

• Do not put tempting items such as favourite toys on top of furniture that encourage children to climb up and reach.

• Do not place unstable furniture near where children play.

• Put locking devices on all drawers to prevent children opening them and using them as steps.

For more information on toppling furniture, visit www.productsafety.gov.au/anchorfurniture

Learn how to anchor your furniture

Watch a video on Toppling furniture safety

- anchor it and protect a child

Learn more about bunk bed safety

How is a swallowed button battery diagnosed?

Your child may need to have an x -ray of the appropriate area to locate the battery.

BUTTON BATTERIES

Are button batteries dangerous?

Swallowing any button battery, old or new, can cause life threatening injuries and even death, especially if it becomes stuck in the oesophagus (food pipe). Batteries which become stuck in the nose or ears can also cause local burns. When swallowed, the left over electrical current in a button battery reacts with moisture to produce a strong alkali chemical. The chemical can cause serious internal burns and bleeding. The batteries can also leak chemicals which can cause serious burns. The coin shaped batteries are easily caught in the oesophagus, and when stuck can start to cause damage very quickly (within 2 hours). There may be no early symptoms.

Who is at risk?

Young children are at most risk of poisoning from button battery ingestion. Young children are curious and like to explore by putting everything in their mouth. This leads to more accidental ingestions. A toddler’s smaller body size also means they are more likely to have a button battery caught in the oesophagus, causing serious damage. How is a swallowed button battery diagnosed? Your child may need to have an x-ray of the appropriate area to locate the battery.

What are the symptoms of a child who has swallowed a button battery?

Children often swallow button batteries without anyone knowing. Symptoms can include chest pain, coughing, choking, vomiting, drooling, decreased appetite or refusal to eat, fever, abdominal pain and general discomfort. Spitting blood or bloodstained saliva or having very dark stained or black bowel motions, can indicate bleeding or ulceration somewhere in the upper or lower digestive system.

How can you prevent children from swallowing button batteries?

• Keep button batteries and all other batteries in a child resistant locked cupboard that is atleast 1.5 metres above ground, out of reach of children.

• Check that all remotes, toys and products containing button batteries have a screw to secure them. If the batteries are not secured in with a screw, keep out of reach of children. You can also secure the battery compartment with strong tape.

• Buy new batteries that are in child resistant packaging ie: the packets need to be opened with scissors.

• Keep spare batteries locked away, out of reach.

• Throw old button batteries away carefully, in an outside bin, out of reach of children.

Remember

• Call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 if you suspect a battery has been swallowed.

• Go to the nearest hospital emergency department.

• Keep all button batteries out of reach of children ie; in a child resistant locked cupboard that is atleast 1.5metres above the ground.

• Share this information with family and friends.

FIRST AID

FIRST AID FOR SWALLOWED BUTTON BATTERIES

• If your child is having any difficulty breathing, call 000 immediately.

• Call the Poisons Information Centre 13 11 26

• Take your child immediately to the nearest Emergency Department for assessment and treatment.

• Do not try to make your child vomit.

• Do not let your child eat or drink while awaiting medical advice.

you suspect

 Go to the department.

 Keep all ie; in a chil atleast 1.5metres

 Share this

Learn more about the dangers of button batteries

If you know or just suspect that your child has swallowed a button battery you must act immediately.

Source: The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick and Kaleidoscope Children, Young People and Families.

Watch a video on button battery safety

© The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick and Kaleidoscope Children,

HOME POOL SAFETY

The home pool environment is often a place of fun and enjoyment. However, home pools are a location with a high risk of drowning, particularly for children under five years of age.

Drowning risks around the home

Home pools and spas are obvious drowning hazards. But there are many other items and areas which present a drowning threat to young children around the home.

Buckets, bathtubs, eskies (coolers), fountains, fishponds, drains, inflatable pools, and even pet bowls

all pose a significant drowning risk especially to younger children. It is crucial that these are emptied, covered, put away and not left where they can fill up with water.

Most toddler drowning deaths occur when parents’ attention is divided. Other siblings, preparing meals, and phone calls are just a few of the many distractions that can interfere with a parent’s supervision.

Children need constant supervision when they’re in, on, or around the water. If you’re at a party or gathering don’t assume that someone is watching your child or children. It is all too possible that no one is. Nominate a designated ‘child supervisor’ and rotate the supervision responsibilities regularly.

Portable Pools

Portable swimming pools take several forms and include inflatable pools, pools incorporating a canvas or flexible plastic liner attached to a frame, and hard plastic pools such as wading pools. Depths vary from less than 150mm to over one metre.

Portable pools pose a serious drowning risk to small children. Even with very little water, it only takes seconds for a child to drown in a portable pool. They also present a risk because owners are generally not aware of the need in most States and Territories to fence a portable pool that is 300mm deep or more. Children have also drowned in portable pools that have not been emptied and put away after use.

Young children are at risk of drowning in portable pools for a number of reasons. Young children are naturally fascinated by water and are top heavy so when they lean over to look into water or reach for an object they can easily topple over and drown in just a few centimetres of water. Young children are unable to understand the concept of danger and may have difficulty in understanding that water could cause them harm. Childhood drowning is a silent event as children generally do not cry out for help.

• Check with your local council for fencing requirements.

• Make sure you always actively supervise children within arms’ reach whenever they are in or around the water.

• Never rely on older children to supervise younger children, no matter how confident you are in their ability.

• For smaller pools ensure they are emptied and put away after use.

• When not in use, store the pool securely out of reach of young children.

• Ensure the pool cannot fill with rain water or water from sprinklers.

• Don’t exceed the number of adults or children the pool can safely hold.

Pool Fencing Regulations

Backyard pools represent a major cause of drowning among children under 5. The passage and enforcement of home pool fencing regulations, the most demanding of which require four sided isolation fencing and mandate regular inspections, has greatly reduced the rate of drowning in home pools.

For more information on pool safety visit royallifesaving. com.au/programs/home-pool-safety.

Find out more about basic first aid

BASIC FIRST AID

ALLERGIC REACTIONS

Signs & Symptoms

• Swelling and redness of the skin.

• Itchy, raised rash (live hives).

• Swelling of the throat.

• Wheezing and/or coughing.

• Rapid, irregular pulse.

• Tightness in the chest.

• Headache.

• Vomiting and/or abdominal pain.

• Dizziness or unconsciousness.

What To Do

1. Follow DRSABCD :

• Check for Danger

• Check for Response

• Send for help

• Clear the Airway

• Check for Breathing

• Start CPR chest compression

2. If the patient is carrying an adrenaline autoinjector, it should be used at once. Let them administer the adrenaline autoinjector themselves, or ask them if they require assistance to do so.

3. Call 000 for an ambulance.

4. Keep patient in lying or sitting position. Observe and record pulse and breathing.

SPRAINS & STRAINS

It can be difficult to tell whether the injury is a fracture, dislocation, sprain or strain. If in doubt, always treat as a fracture.

Signs & Symptoms

Sprain

• intense pain

• restricted mobility

• rapid development of swelling and bruising.

Strain

• sharp, sudden pain in region of the injury

• loss of power

• muscle tenderness.

What To Do

1. Follow DRSABCD.

2. Follow the RICE management plan:

• REST the patient and the injured part.

• Apply ICEPACK (cold compress) wrapped in a wet cloth to the injury for 15 minutes every 2 hours for 24 hours, then for 15 minutes every 4 hours for 24 hours.

• Apply COMPRESSION elastic bandage firmly to extend well beyond the injury.

• ELEVATE the injured part.

3. Seek medical attention if no improvement.

BURN OR SCALD

• Do not apply lotions, ointments, fat or ice to a burn.

• Do not touch the injured areas or burst any blisters.

• Do not remove anything sticking to the burn.

• If the burn is larger than a 20 cent piece, or deep, seek medical aid.

Signs & Symptoms

Superficial burns The area is

• red

• very painful

• blistered.

Deep burns The area is

• mottled red and white

• dark red or pale yellow

• painful

• blistered.

Full thickness burns The area is

• is white or charred

• feels dry and leathery.

• Because the nerves are destroyed, the pain will not be as great as in a superficial burn.

What To Do

If the patient’s clothing is on fire

1 Stop the patient from moving around.

2 Drop the patient to the ground and cover or wrap them in a blanket or similar, if available.

3 Roll the patient along the ground until the flames are extinguished.

4 Manage the burn.

For

all burns

1 Follow DRSABCD.

2 If the burn is severe or if it involves the airway, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.

3 As soon as possible, hold the burnt area under cool running water for 20 minutes.

4 Remove any clothing and jewellery from the burnt area, unless they are stuck to the burn.

5 Cover the burn with a light, loose nonstick dressing, preferably clean, dry, non-fluffy material (eg plastic cling film).

6 Continue to check the patient for shock, and treat if necessary.

A ‘cold’ burn is actually tissue damage from extreme cold, thus treatment is different from thermal burns. See the fact sheet on frost bite.

HEAT-INDUCED ILLNESS

• A heat-induced illness can quickly become life-threatening.

• If the patient does not improve quickly (within 10 minutes), send for an ambulance. Call Triple Zero (000).

• First aid for a heat-induced illness is cooling and rehydration.

Signs

• The patient can be hot, sweaty and breathless.

• Or they can be hot and dry by the time they are seen.

• If the patient is not sweating, this is a sign of serious illness.

Other gradual signs can include:

• not able to continue the activity—feeling hot, exhausted and weak

• high body temperature

• dizziness and faintness

• nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea

• pale skin and other signs of shock

• rapid weak pulse

• poor muscle control or weakness, or unsteady gait

• decreasing levels of consciousness, confusion, or seizures.

What To Do

1 Follow DRSABCD.

2 Lie the patient down in a cool or shaded area.

3 STRIP the patient of as much clothing as possible. If the patient does not improve quickly (within 10 minutes), call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance.

4 SOAK the patient with any available water.

5 FAN the patient continuously.

6 Give cold water to the patient to drink if they are fully conscious and able to swallow.

If practicle and possible, immersing the patient in a bath of cold water is the most effective cooling method.

For the patient more than 5 years old

1 Immerse the patient (whole body from the neck down) in a bath of cold water (preferably 1–7 degrees) for 15 minutes.

2 Continuously observe the patient to ensure an open airway in case of any change in their level of consciousness.

If a cold bath is not available, use a combination of the following:

1 Wet the patient with cool or cold water under a shower or with a hose or other source of running water.

2 Apply cold packs to the neck, groin, armpits, facial cheeks, palms of hands, soles of feet.

3 Repeatedly wet the skin with a wet cloth or spray bottle.

4 Fan continuously.

BLEEDING

For severe external bleeding:

• wear gloves, if possible, to prevent infection

• do not apply a tourniquet

• if an object is embedded in or protruding from a wound apply pressure either side of the wound and place pads around it before bandaging

• give nothing by mouth.

What To Do

Unconscious casualty

1. Follow DRSABCD.

Conscious casualty

1. Follow DRSABCD.

2. Lie the casualty down and remove or cut their clothing to expose the wound.

3. Apply direct pressure over the wound using a pad or your hands (use gloves if available). Instruct the casualty to do this if possible.

4. Squeeze the wound edges together if possible.

5. Raise and support the injured part above the level of the heart. Handle gently if you suspect a fracture.

6. Apply a pad over the wound if not already in place and secure by bandaging over the padded wound.

7. If bleeding is still not controlled, leave initial pad in place and apply a second pad and secure with a bandage.

8. Check circulation below wound.

9. Ensure an ambulance has been called.

Thanks to over 140 years of experience, St John Ambulance first aid training equips communities with knowledge and confidence to respond in emergency situations: visit stjohnnsw.com.au

DRSABCD

IN AN EMERGENCY CALL TRIPLE ZERO (000) FOR AN AMBULANCE

In an emergency call triple zero (000) for an ambulance

Dangers?

Ensure the area is safe for yourself, others and the patient.

Responsive?

Check for a response: ask name, squeeze shoulders. No response? Send for help. Response? Make comfortable and monitor response.

S A

Send for help

Call triple zero (000) for an ambulance or ask another person to make the call.

Open Airway

Open the mouth and check the airway for foreign material. Foreign material? Place in the recovery position and clear the airway. No foreign material? Leave in position. Open the airway by tilting the head back with a chin lift.

Normal Breathing?

Check for breathing: look, listen, feel for 10 seconds. Not normal breathing? Ensure an ambulance has been called; start CPR. Normal breathing? Place in the recovery position and monitor breathing.

Start CPR

30 chest compressions : 2 breaths. Continue CPR until help arrives or the patient starts breathing.

Attach defibrillator (AED) and follow the voice prompts.

POISONING

Signs & Symptoms

Signs and symptoms depend on the type of poison, and can include:

• bite or injection marks, with or without local swelling

• burns around and inside the mouth or on the tongue

• smell of fumes

• odours on the breath

• burning pain from mouth to stomach

• nausea, vomiting

• abdominal pain

• difficulty in breathing

• tight feeling in chest

• headache

• ringing in ears

• blurred vision

• blue lips, face, earlobes, fingernails

• drowsiness

• loss of consciousness

• seizures.

• DO NOT induce vomiting, unless you have been told to do so by the Poisons Information Centre.

• DO NOT give the patient anything to eat or drink.

• Wash substances off the face and around the mouth with water.

What To Do

1 Follow DRSABCD.

2 Call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.

3 Call triple zero (000) for fire services if the air is contaminated with smoke or gas.

4 Reassure the patient.

5 Find out what sort of poison is involved, if possible, and record the information for medical personnel.

6 Call the Poisons Information Centre 13 11 26, and follow their advice.

7 If the patient is becoming drowsy, place them in the recovery position and continue to check their airway and breathing regularly.

8 Send any vomit, containers and suicide notes with the patient to hospital.

HOT BEVERAGES

Spilling the Tea Shouldn’t Send You to ED

That comforting cuppa might seem harmless, but a knocked-over mug, a lap tray accident, or a curious grab from a toddler could mean a trip to the Emergency Department.

Hot drinks are one of the most common causes of burns in young children. In 2024, more than 400 kids in NSW were treated for scalds from hot liquids like tea, soup and coffee.

Most of these injuries happen in the home, with risk increasing when people carry hot drinks near children or use unstable surfaces like beds, couches or carpets. At just 60°C, a hot drink can cause serious skin damage in under a second, and many household kettles boil far hotter than that.

According to NSW Health, in 2024 there were:

• Over 400 children were treated for scalds from hot drinks, soups, and similar items.

• 48 children suffered contact burns from stove tops, cooktops, or BBQs during the same timeframe.

It’s crucial to remember hot food and drinks, which may feel safe for an adult, can cause serious burns to a child [...] even a small amount of hot liquid can result in deep, severe burns.

Christine Erskine Executive Officer, KidSafe NSW

Have you washed your hands?

Clean your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub to protect yourself from viruses.

LONG COVID HEALTH & SAFETY

WHAT IS LONG COVID?

COVID-19, like many other viruses, can cause ongoing symptoms such as a cough or fatigue. However, most people will recover in a few weeks.

Long COVID is a condition where people have long-term symptoms for at least 3 months after getting COVID-19, that continue for at least 2 months. There is no test for long COVID. Doctors must rule out other conditions with similar symptoms to diagnose it.

Research to understand how long COVID develops, who is at risk and treatment options is still emerging. The best way to avoid long COVID is to protect yourself from COVID-19.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SYMPTOMS OF LONG COVID?

Long COVID symptoms can be mild or severe. Common symptoms in adults include:

• fatigue

• shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing

• memory, concentration or sleep problems

• a persistent cough

• chest pain

• headaches

• muscle aches

• loss of smell or taste

• depression or anxiety.

• Long COVID is less common

Long COVID is less common in children. In children and adolescents aged 16 years or less, symptoms include:

• mood symptoms such as depression, anxiety and irritability

• fatigue

• concentration or learning difficulties

• Long COVID

• sleep problems.

HOW LONG DOES LONG COVID LAST?

Most people with COVID-19 get better in a few days or weeks, but some people may experience symptoms for weeks or months. When symptoms continue for at least 3 months, this may be long COVID.

A small number of people may have symptoms of long COVID for 12 or more months.

WHO IS AT HIGHER RISK OF LONG COVID?

Current studies show long COVID is more common in:

• people who have not had a COVID-19 vaccine

• people with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, obesity and asthma

• people who have had severe illness from COVID-19 (needed to go to hospital)

• people who have had COVID-19 more than once

• women aged over 65.

HOW DO I MANAGE LONG COVID?

While most symptoms of long COVID can be managed at home, symptoms may affect people differently. It is important you speak to a doctor if you are concerned about your symptoms.

Treatment for long COVID aims to manage symptoms and any complications. There is no single treatment for long COVID. If you have long COVID, it is important to rest and avoid activities that are too tiring while you recover.

A doctor will guide you on how to manage symptoms at home or will refer you to a specialist.

HOW DO I PROTECT MYSELF FROM LONG COVID?

The best way to protect yourself from long COVID is by not getting infected with COVID-19. You can protect yourself by practising COVID safe behaviours:

• stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations

• get tested if you have symptoms

• practice good hand hygiene, like regular handwashing

• avoid crowded spaces and get together in wellventilated spaces

• talk with your doctor if you are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 to make a plan aboutwhat to do if you get sick, including what test to take, and discussing if you are eligible for antiviral medicines

For more information visit: www.headtohealth.gov.au/covid-19-support/covid-19

Learn more about Food Allergies

FOOD ALLERGY OR INTOLERANCE?

Many people think they are allergic to a food when in fact they are intolerant. Unlike food allergies, intolerances do not involve the body’s immune system. Slower in onset and not life threatening, food intolerance symptoms include headaches, bloating, wind, nausea, mouth ulcers or hives.

HOW TO GIVE AN EPIPEN IN AN EMERGENCY

Watch video on How to give an Epipen

REMEMBER ALWAYS follow instructions on the ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis for the individual concerned or the ASCIA First Aid Plan for Anaphylaxis which are in brief:

1. Lay person flat - do NOT allow them to stand or walk

• If unconscious, place in recovery position

• If breathing is difficult allow them to sit

2. Give EpiPen® or EpiPen® Jr adrenaline autoinjector

3. Phone ambulance - triple zero (000)

4. Phone family/emergency contact

Download more information about living with allergies

Watch a video on Signs and Symptoms of an Allergic Reaction

Symptoms that occur several hours after a food is eaten are more often as a result of an intolerance or enzyme deficiency rather than a food allergy.

A food allergy is not:

• The inability to digest a food

• An aversion to a food (disliking a food)

• Food poisoning

• A reaction to a food additive

What is an allergy?

Allergy is an immune response to a normally harmless substance. People can be allergic to many things such as pollens, moulds, dust mites, animal dander or saliva, insect stings or bites, medication, food and latex. Allergic disease also includes conditions such as eczema, hay fever, allergic conjunctivitis and allergic asthma.

For use with EpiPen® adrenaline (epinephrine) autoinjectors

SIGNS OF MILD TO MODERATE ALLERGIC REACTION

How common is allergy?

• Swelling of lips, face, eyes

• Hives or welts

• Tingling mouth

Allergic diseases are common and increasing for reasons which currently remain unknown. In Australia 20% of adults have hay fever, 10% of infants aged 12 months have a confirmed food allergy, 20% of infants have eczema and up to 3% of the population has had a serious allergic reaction to insect stings (mainly adults).

• Abdominal pain, vomiting (these are signs of anaphylaxis for insect allergy)

ACTION FOR MILD TO MODERATE ALLERGIC REACTION

• For insect allergy - flick out sting if visible

• For tick allergy seek medical help or freeze tick and let it drop off

• Stay with person and call for help

For use with EpiPen® adrenaline (epinephrine) autoinjectors

• Locate adrenaline autoinjector

• Phone family/emergency contact

SIGNS OF MILD TO MODERATE ALLERGIC REACTION

5. Further adrenaline doses may be given if no response after 5 minutes

• Swelling of lips, face, eyes

• Hives or welts

6. Transfer person to hospital for at least 4 hours of observation

If in doubt give adrenaline autoinjector

The signs and symptoms you experience depend on the type of allergy you have. Allergies can be mild, moderate or severe. Anaphylaxis requires an immediate emergency response.

• Tingling mouth

• Abdominal pain, vomiting (these are signs of anaphylaxis for insect allergy)

Mild to moderate allergic reactions (such as hives or swelling) may not always occur before anaphylaxis

ACTION FOR MILD TO MODERATE ALLERGIC REACTION

What is Anaphylaxis?

• For insect allergy - flick out sting if visible

Commence CPR at any time if person is unresponsive and not breathing normally

WATCH FOR ANY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING SIGNS OF ANAPHYLAXIS (SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION)

• For tick allergy seek medical help or freeze tick and let it drop off

• Difficult/noisy breathing

• Stay with person and call for help

• Swelling of tongue

• Locate adrenaline autoinjector

EpiPen® is prescribed for children over 20kg and adults. EpiPen Jr® is prescribed for children 7.5-20kg

• Phone family/emergency contact

• Swelling/tightness in throat

• Wheeze or persistent cough

Anaphylaxis is a sudden, severe allergic reaction that often involves various areas of the body simultaneously. Foods, insects, medications (including prescriptions, over the counter or alternative therapies), and latex are the most common causes of anaphylactic reactions.

• Difficulty talking and/or hoarse voice

• Persistent dizziness or collapse

• Pale and floppy (young children)

ACTION FOR ANAPHYLAXIS

Mild to moderate allergic reactions (such as hives or swelling) may not always occur before anaphylaxis

Foods that most often cause an allergic reaction are peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, sesame, soy, wheat and lupin.

1 Lay person flat - do NOT allow them to stand or walk

- If unconscious, place in recovery position

WATCH FOR ANY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING SIGNS OF ANAPHYLAXIS (SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION)

What are the signs of an allergic reaction?

• Difficult/noisy breathing

• Swelling of tongue

Signs of a mild to moderate allergic reaction:

- If breathing is difficult allow them to sit

• Swelling of lips, face or eyes

• Difficulty talking and/or hoarse voice

2 Give adrenaline autoinjector

• Swelling/tightness in throat

• Hives or welts

• Persistent dizziness or collapse

3 Phone ambulance - 000 (AU) or 111 (NZ)

• Wheeze or persistent cough

• Tingling mouth

• Pale and floppy (young children)

4 Phone family/emergency contact

ACTION FOR ANAPHYLAXIS

5 Further adrenaline doses may be given if no response after 5 minutes

1 Lay person flat - do NOT allow them to stand or walk

- If unconscious, place in recovery position

- If breathing is difficult allow them to sit

If you DO NOT have an adrenaline autoinjector:

• Abdominal pain, vomiting (however these are signs of anaphylaxis if the allergic reaction is due to insect bites or stings)

6 Transfer person to hospital for at least 4 hours of observation

If in doubt give adrenaline autoinjector

Any ONE of the following signs indicates a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)

Commence CPR at any time if person is unresponsive and not breathing normally

• Difficult and/or noisy breathing

2 Give adrenaline autoinjector

• Lay person flat - do NOT allow them to stand or walk

• If unconscious, place in recovery position

• If breathing is difficult allow them to sit.

• CALL AN AMBULANCE: DIAL TRIPLE

• Swelling of the tongue

3 Phone ambulance - 000 (AU) or 111 (NZ)

4 Phone family/emergency contact

• Swelling/tightness in the throat

ALWAYS give adrenaline autoinjector FIRST, if someone has SEVERE AND SUDDEN BREATHING DIFFICULTY (including wheeze, persistent cough or hoarse voice), even if there are no skin symptoms. THEN SEEK MEDICAL HELP.

5 Further adrenaline doses may be given if no response after 5 minutes

• Wheeze or persistent cough

• If adrenaline is accidentally injected (e.g. into a thumb) phone your local poisons information centre.

• Difficult talking and/or hoarse voice

6 Transfer person to hospital for at least 4 hours of observation

• Continue to follow this plan for the person with the allergic reaction.

• Persistent dizziness or collapse

If in doubt give adrenaline autoinjector

• Pale and floppy (in young children)

Commence CPR at any time if person is unresponsive and not breathing normally

See www.allergyfacts.org.au and www.allergy.org.au

DENTAL HEALTH

Tooth decay

The main cause of tooth decay is an acid attack on the surfaces of the teeth. This acid is produced by bacteria which cling to the surface of the teeth in a film called dental plaque. Sweet, sticky, sugary foods encourage the plaque to make acid which causes tooth decay and bleeding gums.

Cleaning teeth

Children need to learn how to clean their teeth. Start to clean your baby’s teeth as soon as they appear. Use a small, soft toothbrush and water. When the child is 18 months of age, introduce a small amount of junior fluoride toothpaste onto the brush. Just put a smear of toothpaste on the brush. It is best that your child cleans their teeth the twice a day, in the morning and before bed. Family strength toothpaste can be introduced after 6 years of age. From around 3 years of age until about 8 years of age, children can do some of the tooth brushing themselves, adults will need to help with brushing at least once a day. If the bacteria have been on the teeth for a long time, the gums may bleed (gingivitis) when brushed. This tells you that the gums are unhealthy. To get them healthy again the gums need to be cleaned along with your teeth, even if they bleed when brushed, the bleeding will stop after a while.

Tips to prevent dental disease (dental decay and gingivitis)

Here are some tips to prevent dental decay and gingivitis for children:

• Put only breast milk, formula or water in your baby’s bottle.

• Always hold your baby when feeding and remove the bottle when they have had enough to drink.

• Putting your baby to bed with a bottle can cause tooth decay

• Honey, glycerine, condensed milk or other sticky foods or liquids on your baby’s dummy can cause tooth decay

• Drink fluoridated tap water throughout the day. If you are not sure if your local water is fluoridated, check with your local council

• Avoid eating sugary sticky foods, fizzy drinks, sweet drinks and juices especially between meals.

• Give your child foods which make them chew

• Brush twice a day - after breakfast and before bed (use a small toothbrush and a small amount of fluoridated toothpaste)

• If there’s no toothbrush, rinse with water

• Use dental floss daily from about 3-4 years of age

• Visit your dentist regularly

DENTAL EMERGENCIES

Toothache

If your child has a toothache or a hole in a tooth, take your child to the dentist immediately. Tooth decay can

easily lead to an infection which is very painful for your child.

Bleeding

If your child’s gums bleed during tooth-brushing take your child to the dentist as soon as possible. This bleeding can be caused by a build-up of plaque at the gum line, or it may be a symptom of a medical condition.

Your dentist can check this and advise you.

Injury

If your child falls and hurts a tooth take them to the dentist quickly. If the teeth are loose, especially the permanent (adult) teeth, they need to be replaced in the socket and splinted as soon as possible, preferably within the hour. The sooner the tooth is back in place the better its chance of survival in the long term. Do not attempt to replace a baby tooth. If a permanent tooth is knocked out:

1. If the permanent tooth is knocked out:

• Hold the tooth by the crown, and if it’s clean, replant tooth immediately and hold it in place by biting gently on a handkerchief or clean cloth. If the tooth is dirty, rinse in milk or saline first, then replant the tooth (use water as a last resort, 10 seconds only)

• Do not scrub or touch the root of tooth

• Make sure that the tooth is not back to front-facial surface towards the front. You can check this against the next tooth or someone else’s front tooth.

• If you can’t replant the tooth, store it in a cup of milk, saline or saliva. Do not store in water.

2. Seek urgent dental treatment, go straight to a dental clinic or emergency department of a hospital. Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth.

Teeth development

Most children have 20 baby teeth. Typically, baby teeth can start to appear between 6 - 10 months of age and continue coming through until a child is 3 years of age. The bottom front teeth are usually the first to appear.

When teething begins, you may notice that your child drools more and wants to chew on things. For some babies, teething is painless: others may experience brief periods of irritability. Giving your baby something to chew on like a clean chilled teething ring or clean cold wash cloth, or rubbing their gums with a clean finger can help relieve symptoms.

Adult teeth start developing inside babies’ jawbones after birth. After a baby tooth falls out, an adult (permanent) tooth takes its place. Children usually start losing their baby teeth from around six years of age.

The appearance of adult teeth usually occurs between 6-12 years of age, with the exception of wisdom teeth that might start coming through around 17 years of age.

Adult teeth don’t get replaced, so you have to look after them. It’s a good idea to have regular dental visits to check on your child’s tooth development.

Brushing Childrens Teeth: In Pictures

way you structure your menu can encourage students to eat a variety of nutritious foods.

Providing Everyday options in each section of the menu gives students healthy choices within cold foods, hot foods, snacks and drinks.

HEALTHY KIDS

Occasional foods and drinks can appear on your menu each day, however they cannot make up more than ¼ (25%) of the menu.

With good food habits and daily physical activity you will be well on your way to a healthy life. Easy to say, but sometimes not so easy to do!

Our busy lifestyles can be hard on our family’s health. Rushing to and from school and work can make it hard to find time to be physically active. We can also slip into the habit of choosing unhealthy snacks and take-away foods or spending our free time watching TV or in front of the computer.

What can I do?

Balancing the menu means counting all the Everyday Occasional foods and drinks available for sale in your school canteen, including on the menu, on the counter top and ordered online. A quick guide on how count your menu is provided opposite with more detailed information provided in Tool 4. Counting Tool pages 44-45.

There are five simple ways for your family to lead a healthy lifestyle and get back on track:

1. Get active each day

• Regular physical activity is important for the healthy growth, development and well-being of children and young people.

• They should get at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day, including vigorous activities that make them ‘huff and puff’.

• Include activities that strengthen muscles and bones on at least 3 days of the week.

• Parents should be good role models and have a positive attitude to being active.

2. Choose water as a drink

• Water is the best way to quench your thirst – and it doesn’t come with the added sugar found in fruit juices, soft drinks and other sweetened drinks.

Step 5 Actions

• Reduced fat milk for children over two is a nutritious drink and a great source of calcium.

• Give kids whole fruit to eat, rather than offering fruit juices that have a lot of sugar.

3. Eat more fruit and vegetables

Include in the count:

• Eating fruit and vegetables every day helps children grow and develop, boosts their vitality and can reduce the risk of many chronic diseases.

• Only items offered at recess and/or lunch.

• All flavours and portion sizes available.

• Aim to eat two serves of fruit and five serves of vegetables every day.

• Have fresh fruit available as a convenient snack and try to include fruit and vegies in every meal.

4. Switch off the screen and get active

• Count each day separately if you have different items on different days of the week.

• Sedentary or ‘still’ time spent watching TV, surfing online or playing computer games is linked to kids becoming overweight or obese.

Do not include in the count:

• Sauces and condiments.

• Children and young people should spend no more than two hours a day on ‘small screen’ entertainment. Break up long periods of use as often as possible.

• 'Toasted’ option for sandwiches/wraps.

• Plan a range of active indoor and outdoor games or activities for your children, as alternatives to watching TV or playing on the computer.

5. Eat fewer snacks and select healthier alternatives

• Repeated items: for example garlic bread offered as a snack and in a meal deal is only counted once.

• Healthy snacks help children and young people meet their daily nutritional needs.

• Snacks based on fruit and vegetables, reduced fat dairy products and whole grains are the healthiest choices.

• Avoid snacks that are high in sugar or saturated fats – such as chips, cakes and chocolate – which can cause children to put on excess weight.

Use the counting rules to work out the proportion of Everyday and Occasional items on your menu. An example of how to count a menu and calculate the proportion of Everyday food and drinks is shown on the page opposite. More detailed instructions are provided in Tool 4.

THE NSW HEALTHY SCHOOL CANTEEN STRATEGY

Frequently asked questions about products bought from a local bakery or butcher? are buying products such as pies, sausage rolls other products from a local bakery, or processed from a local butcher or deli, it is unlikely that be able to provide you with the HSR of their products.

At school students learn about the types of foods and drinks needed to stay healthy, to help brains work and to help them feel more alert – just what is needed to get through the school day. So it makes sense that the school canteen is full of healthy food and drink options. Good nutrition is vital to all children and young people, as it helps them to grow and learn.

The Healthy School Canteen Strategy is about improving access to healthy food and drink choices and it’s about providing students with the skills and opportunity to learn about healthy food and drink choices and making the healthy choice the right choice.

snacks such as chips and frozen snacks.

The revised Healthy School Canteen Strategy has the new Food and Drink criteria which categorises food and drink as either Everyday or Occasional. This replaces the traffic light system of Green, Amber and Red foods which made the Fresh Tastes @ School strategy. The Food and Drink criteria follow the Australian Dietary Guidelines that recommend that we eat from the five food groups, vegetables, wholegrain, dairy, fish and meat everyday, and only occasionally eat small amounts of foods containing lots of fat, salt and sugar.

Tips

16 The NSW Healthy School Canteen Strategy | FOOD AND DRINK CRITERIA | http://education.nsw.gov.au/healthy-canteens

Look for the Everyday food and drinks in your canteen – they are easy to spot as they will be at the front of the counter and there will be plenty of fabulous choices. Everyday foods include foods from each of the five food groups. Choose things like sandwiches and wraps filled with salads/cheese/eggs, toasties with apple and cinnamon, rice paper rolls, jacket potatoes, lasagna, burritos with beans and salsa, pizza muffins, fruit and popcorn, just to name a few. The Occasional foods are things like meat pies, sausage rolls, hot chips, crisps, sweet biscuits, processed meats such as salami, cakes, muesli , confectionery, ice cream, desserts and soft drinks.

Check the HSR of packaged items on your menu from time-to-time as they can change. Sometimes manufacturers reformulate their products, which can change the HSR.

• Check the HSR of all flavours a product comes in as sometimes different flavours have different HSRs.

Load up on the everyday and have less occasional food and drinks, because you know it will make you feel better throughout the day. For more information visit healthyschoolcanteens.nsw.gov.au

sell these locally purchased products in your canteen without knowing the HSR. However, aim choose the healthiest type available and make sure meet the portion size limits.

What are the dietary Guidelines?

• Remove all bones from fish or meat.

vegetables to soften them.

• Remove all bones from fish or meat.

• Cook or grate hard fruit and

The Australian Dietary Guidelines provide up-to-date advice about the amount and kinds of foods that we need to eat for health and wellbeing. They are based on scientific evidence and research.

• Cook or grate hard fruit and

SERVE SIZES

hard confectionary or crisps.

them hard foods such as popcorn, nuts,

• Sit with them when they eat and don’t give them hard foods such as popcorn, nuts,

Guideline 3:

Limit intake of foods containing saturated fat, added salt, added sugars and alcohol.

Care for your food; prepare and store it safely.

• Sit with them when they eat and don’t give

The Australian Dietary Guidelines of most relevance to children are included below:

prevent this from happening:Tohard foods.

a. Limit intake of foods high in saturated fat such as many biscuits, cakes, pastries, pies, processed meats, commercial burgers, pizza, fried foods, potato chips, crisps and other savoury snacks.

Guideline 5:

Encourage, support and promote breastfeeding.

a. Limit intake of foods high in saturated fat such as many biscuits, cakes, pastries, pies, processed meats, commercial burgers, pizza, fried foods, potato chips, crisps and other savoury snacks.

Guideline 1:

Care for your food; prepare and store it safely. pasta, mostly

Guideline 4:

children (less than 3 years of age) can choke on

Guideline 4:

It is also important to remember that young

To achieve and maintain a healthy weight, be physically active and choose amounts of nutritious food and drinks to meet your energy needs.

• Sugar-sweetened cordials, soft drinks and sports drinks. It is also important to remember that young

• Sugar-sweetened cordials, soft drinks and sports drinks.

• Cream and butter

drinks and cordials, fruit drinks, vitamin waters, energy and sports drinks.

• Cream and butter

• Children and adolescents should eat sufficient nutritious foods to grow and develop normally. They should be physically active every day and their growth should be checked regularly.

• Crisps and other fatty and/or salty snacks

fried foods

• Children and adolescents should eat sufficient nutritious foods to grow and develop normally. They should be physically active every day and their growth should be checked regularly.

• Commercial burgers, hot chips, and

• Meat pies and other pastries

Guideline 2:

• Replace high fat foods which contain predominately saturated fats such as butter, cream, cooking margarine, coconut and palm oil with foods which contain predominately polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats such as oils, spreads, nut butters/pastes and avocado.

c. Limit intake of foods and drinks containing added sugars such as confectionary, sugar-sweetened soft

• Do not add salt to foods in cooking or at the table.

• Low fat diets are not suitable for children under the age of 2 years.

• Read labels to choose lower sodium options among similar foods.

b. Limit intake of foods and drinks containing added salt.

• Read labels to choose lower sodium options among similar foods.

b. Limit intake of foods and drinks containing added salt.

• Read labels to choose lower sodium options among similar foods.

• Ice-cream, confectionery and chocolate

not suitable for children under the are• Low fat diets age of 2 years.

Enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods from these five food groups every day:

• Processed meats and sausages

• Sweet biscuits, cakes and desserts

• Plenty of vegetables of different types and colours, and legumes/beans

Examples of discretionary choices include:

• Fruit

• Do not add salt to foods in cooking or at the table.

c. Limit intake of foods and drinks containing added sugars such as confectionary, sugar-sweetened soft drinks and cordials, fruit drinks, vitamin waters, energy and sports drinks.

• Lean meats and poultry, fish, eggs, tofu, nuts and seeds, and legumes/beans

Discretionary‘ choices’ are called that because they are not an essential or necessary part of our dietary patterns. Discretionary foods are high in kilojoules, saturated fat, added sugars, added salt, or alcohol. If chosen, they should be eaten only sometimes and in small amounts.

• Grain (cereal) foods, mostly wholegrain and/or high cereal fibre varieties, such as breads, cereals, rice, pasta, noodles, polenta, couscous, oats, quinoa and barley

• Milk, yoghurt, cheese and/or their alternatives, mostly reduced fat (reduced fat milks are not suitable for children under the age of 2 years)

Guideline 4:

Encourage, support and promote breastfeeding.

Guideline 5:

a. Limit intake of foods high in saturated fat such as many biscuits, cakes, pastries, pies, processed meats, commercial burgers, pizza, fried foods, potato chips, crisps and other savoury snacks.

• Milk, yoghurt, cheese and/or their alternatives, mostly reduced fat (reduced fat milks are not suitable for children under the age of 2 years) And drink plenty of water.

And drink plenty of water.

Foods to limit: discretionary choices Discretionary‘ choices’ are called that because they are not an essential or necessary part of our dietary patterns. Discretionary foods are high in kilojoules, saturated fat, added sugars, added salt, or alcohol. If chosen, they should be eaten only sometimes and in small amounts.

Foods to limit: discretionary choices

Want more information about healthy eating?

To meet additional energy needs, extra serves from the Five Food Groups or unsaturated spreads and oils, or discretionary choices may be needed by children who are not overweight but are taller, more active or older in their age band.

• To meet additional energy needs, extra serves from the Five Food Groups or unsaturated spreads and oils, or discretionary choices may be needed by children who are not overweight but are taller, more active or older in their age band.

encouraGinG healthy habits

Care for your food; prepare and store it safely.

saturated fat, added salt, added sugars and alcohol.

Limit intake of foods containing

Limit intake of foods containing saturated fat, added salt, added sugars and alcohol.

An allowance for unsaturated spreads and oils for cooking, or nuts and seeds can be included in the following quantities: 4–5g per day for children 2–3 years of age, 7–10g per day for children 3–12 years of age, 11–15g per day for children 12–13 years of age and 14–20g per day for adolescents 14–18 years of age.

• An allowance for unsaturated spreads and oils for cooking, or nuts and seeds can be included in the following quantities: 4–5g per day for children 2–3 years of age, 7–10g per day for children 3–12 years of age, 11–15g per day for children 12–13 years of age and 14–20g per day for adolescents 14–18 years of age.

Guideline 3:

For meal ideas and advice on how to apply the serve sizes go to:

• For meal ideas and advice on how to apply the serve sizes go to: www.eatforhealth.gov.au

www.eatforhealth.gov.au

Which foods should I eat and How much?

Childhood is a time of learning. Children who grow up in families that enjoy a variety of nutritious foods from the Five Food Groups are more likely to make their own healthy choices as they get older.

You can help by teaching your whole family to:

• Choose ‘everyday foods’ for home and school from the Five Food Groups.

You can help by teaching your whole family to: • Choose ‘everyday foods’ for home and school from the Five Food Groups.

• Save discretionary choices for special occasions.

The Australian Dietary Guidelines provide up-to-date advice about the amount and kinds of foods that we need to eat for health and wellbeing.

The Australian Dietary Guidelines

The Australian Dietary Guidelines provide evidence-based advice for all Australians about how to eat a healthy, balanced diet and maintain a healthy weight.

Key messages from the Australian Dietary Guidelines include:

• Enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods from the five food groups every day and drink plenty of water.

• Limit intake of foods containing saturated fat, added salt and added sugars.

• Achieve and maintain a healthy weight by being physically active and choosing amounts of nutritious foods and drinks that meet your energy needs.

These key messages have been incorporated into the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating (shown below).

The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating

Australian Guide to Healthy Eating

The Healthy School Canteen Strategy is based on the Australian Dietary Guidelines.

The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating shows a different food group in each of the five segments of the circle and the proportions that are needed for a healthy, balanced diet.

Visit the Australian Government website Eat for Health for detailed advice about the amounts and kinds of foods to eat for health and wellbeing: www.eatforhealth.gov.au

Note

Everyday foods and drinks

• Eat a wide variety from the five food groups every day for good health.

• Provide essential nutrients such as protein, vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre.

Occasional foods and drinks

• Eat only sometimes and in small amounts. These are mostly foods and drinks high in energy, saturated fat, sugars and/or salt and often with little nutritional value.

• They are not needed as part of a healthy diet.

• Sugar-sweetened drinks and energy drinks should not be sold in school canteens or vending machines.

• The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating is a guide for the general population.

• Check your school's policy regarding food allergens and refer to your education sector’s anaphylaxis procedures (see page 21 for details).

• Alcohol is not part of the school environment.

Learn more about when your child has diabetes

DIABETES

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is characterised by high glucose levels (commonly referred to as sugar levels) in the blood stream, caused by a lack of insulin production, ineffective insulin, or a combination of both.

There are two main types of diabetes – type 1 and type 2 – their cause and management can be quite different.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes, making up 85-90% of all diabetes cases. It mainly affects adults, but can affect young people, even children. It is caused by genetic and lifestyle factors, such as lack of physical activity, poor food choices and excess weight.

triggers are largely unknown but likely to be viral and/ or chemical.

Type 1 diabetes is not contagious or preventable, nor is it caused by an unhealthy lifestyle. This is a common misconception which has, at times, resulted in blaming and shaming students for unhealthy food choices including ‘too much sugar’ or junk food.

Watch a video about DiaBuddies Day

In type 1 diabetes, the body’s immune system destroys the insulin-making cells (beta cells) in the pancreas. The pancreas stops making insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is essential for life, so children with type 1 diabetes need to replace insulin in the body either with several injections a day or via an insulin pump.

The majority of children with diabetes have type 1. The onset usually occurs under the age of 30 (and has been known in the past as Juvenile Onset Diabetes), however it can happen at any age.

The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is not known. A combination of genetic factors, together with environmental factors, are thought to trigger the autoimmune response. These environmental

Signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes

• Being excessively thirsty

• Passing more urine

• Feeling tired and lethargic

• Always feeling hungry

• Having cuts that heal slowly

• Itching, skin infections

• Blurred vision

• Unexplained weight loss

• Mood swings

• Headaches

• Feeling dizzy

• Leg cramps

These symptoms may occur suddenly and, if not treated properly, can pose immediate life-threatening health risks. If they occur, see a doctor straightaway. With a simple test, a doctor can find out if your child has type 1 diabetes.

Nationally, there are over 14,000 school-aged children living with type 1 diabetes, with 4500 of these in NSW.. Recently, Diabetes NSW & ACT rolled out a new diabetes-in-schools education and training program to make it easier for teachers and staff to support children with type 1 diabetes, and give parents confidence that their children will be safe and supported at school. The program covers the safe management of diabetes and ‘normalises’ diabetes in schools so students are not stigmatised.

In the school setting, a child must have access to their blood glucose monitoring kit, and hypo kit, at all times. Monitoring blood glucose is not a ‘sick bay’ activity, and must be supported in the classroom. Tending to activities of daily diabetes care in the classroom environment is less disruptive to a child’s learning, and can help other students understand and support a peer living with diabetes.

Diabetes NSW & ACT runs camps and Diabuddies Days for children with type 1 diabetes throughout the year. These are fantastic opportunities for children to meet others with type 1 diabetes and gain confidence in their own diabetes management. It can be an isolating experience for children living with type 1 diabetes, so these events enable children and their families to meet others facing the same challenges and triumphs. They are a chance to celebrate the children’s achievements, while facilitating education, networking and friendships.

To find out about upcoming camps or DiaBuddies Days call 1300 342 238 or email events@diabetesnsw.com.au

ASTHMA

What is asthma?

Asthma is a long-term lung condition of the airways. Children with asthma have sensitive lungs which become inflamed when exposed to triggers, this can cause the onset of a ‘flare up ’also known as an asthma attack.

The muscles around the airway squeeze tight, swell and become narrow during a flare up, these issues make breathing difficult. An asthma flare up can have a rapid (within minutes) or slow onset (hours, days or weeks).

For children aged 5 to 14 years, asthma is a leading cause of total disease burden, 14% accounts for boys and 12% for girls [1]. In 2017-2018 almost half (44%) of the hospitalisations for asthma in Australia were for children aged 0-14 years [1]

Asthma cannot be cured, however for most children it can be well controlled by following a daily management plan.

What are the Triggers of asthma?

A child’s asthma may be worse on some days than others due to asthma triggers. Every child has a different experience or different trigger. Some triggers that affect children include:

• Colds and flu

• Hay fever

• Exercise

• Bushfires and smoke

Among children cold and flu are the most common trigger for an asthma-flare up which can be serious whether a child’s asthma is mild or well controlled. Colds and flu cannot be avoided, however, risk can be reduced by:

• Washing hands regularly

• Cough or sneeze into a tissue or elbow

• Avoid crowded spaces where possible

• Staying home if really unwell

Exercise is also a common trigger among children, otherwise known as exercised-induced asthma. Exercise should not be avoided as this trigger can be easily managed and moderate exercise can be beneficial for a child’s asthma.

Exercised induced asthma can be managed by:

• Two puffs of reliever medication 15 minutes before exercise

• Preventer medication

• Regular doctor reviews

• Keep exercise moderate

Asthma Flare-Up

Flare-ups in children do happen and are most often caused by colds and flu, therefore it is almost impossible to avoid.

An asthma flare-up is different from having asthma symptoms as they are more severe and require urgent medical attention. When a child’s symptoms aren’t improving or responding to reliever medications this is a sign that a flare-up is looming.

Asthma First Aid

As children are dependent on supervision and care it is vital that parents learn asthma first aid.

If your child is experiencing a severe or lifethreatening asthma flare-up, call an ambulance and then start asthma first aid.

If your child is experiencing a mild to moderate asthma flare-up, begin asthma first aid:

1. Sit child upright.

• Be calm and do not leave them alone.

2. Give 4 separate puffs of blue/grey reliever puffer.

• Shake, 1 puff, 4 breaths.

• Repeat until 4 puffs have been taken.

3. Wait 4 minutes – if no improvement repeat step two.

4. If there is still no improvement dial 000 and continue giving 4 separate puffs every 4 minutes until emergency assistance arrives.

If your child has asthma, speak to your child’s doctor about a written Asthma Action Plan, device technique checks and preventer medication.

For more information on asthma call 1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462) or visit www.asthma.org.au

Learn more about asthma emergency and first aid

Learn more about asthma in young children

HOME FIRE SAFETY FOR CAREGIVERS AND CHILDREN

These should be somewhere safe

Don’t be distractedchildren are most at risk of misusing ﬁre when unsupervised

Encourage children to tell an adult if they ﬁnd matches or a lighter.

Store matches and lighters out of the reach of children

Reduce the temptation for children to climb onto benchtops

There are hazards in the kitchen such as knives, hot liquids and lighters

Contact Fire and Rescue NSW’s youth intervention program to seek assistance if your child misuses ﬁre. youthcoordinator@ﬁre.nsw.gov.au

SMOKE ALARMS

Help us, help you stay safe by following these simple smoke alarm guidelines:

Some young children sleep through smoke alarms. You will need to need to wake them up.

CHARGING BATTERIES SAFELY

Young children need help to escape a ﬁre.

Make sure a smoke alarm or heat alarm is working in rooms where batteries are charged or stored.

Charge batteries on hard surfaces that can’t catch on ﬁre like concrete ﬂoors or tiles. Don’t charge them on surfaces like beds, sofas, or carpet.

Large batteries like the ones used in e-scooters, e-bikes, and power-tools, should only be charged in the garage, shed or carport, away from living spaces and exits.

CHOOSING YOUR SMOKE ALARM

1. It’s the law to have at least one working smoke alarm installed on every level of your home. This includes owner occupied homes, rental properties, relocatable homes, caravans and camper-vans or any residential building where people sleep.

2. Fire and Rescue NSW recommends the installation of photoelectric smoke alarms, ideally hard-wired and interconnected.

3. Di erent types of smoke alarms available:

• Standard battery-operated alarms

• Mains-powered smoke alarms

• Strobe light and vibrating pad alarms. These are available for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. For more information contact Deaf Connect on 1800 893 855.

4. The Australian Standard symbol on the packaging shows if the alarm is approved and safe.

5. Your local Fire and Rescue NSW station will be happy to give you advice on which type is best suited for you.

INSTALLING YOUR SMOKE ALARM

1. Avoid ﬁtting smoke alarms in or near your kitchen or bathroom.

2. The ideal position is on the ceiling between sleeping and living areas.

3. In addition to the minimum requirement, Fire and Rescue NSW recommends installing smoke alarms in all bedrooms where people sleep.

4. Hard-wired smoke alarms need to be installed by an electrician.

5. Always install smoke alarms in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

6. If it is di cult for you to ﬁt one yourself, contact your local Fire and Rescue NSW station for help. They’ll be happy to give you ﬁre safety tips and install a smoke alarm if you don’t have one

1. Test your smoke alarm batteries every month by pressing and holding the test button for ﬁve seconds.

2. Vacuum dust o alarms every six months.

3. Replace smoke alarms with a new photoelectric alarm every ten years or earlier, if speciﬁed by the manufacturer.

For more information on smoke alarms, visit ﬁ re.nsw.gov.au and planning.nsw.gov.au

Children need to know and practise their Home Fire Escape Plan, which should include two ways to exit every room.

minutes

If there’s a fire, remember get out and stay out, call triple zero (000) and and wait in a safe location for firefighters to arrive.

Children

need to know burns ﬁrst aid

To treat a burn, place the area of skin under cool running water for at least 20 minutes.

For further information consult the First Aid section of this booklet.

MODERATE

Fire Behaviour: Most fires can be controlled.

HIGH

Fire Behaviour: Fires can be dangerous.

EXTREME

PLAN AND PREPARE

BE READY TO ACT

TAKE ACTION NOW

TO PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY

Fire Behaviour: Fires will spread quickly and be extremely dangerous.

CATASTROPHIC

FOR YOUR SURVIVAL

LEAVE BUSH FIRE RISK AREAS

Fire Behaviour: If a fire starts and takes hold, lives are likely to be lost.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

LEAVE

YOUR

When will we leave and where will we go?

What will we take and how will we get there?

Who will we call to tell that we’re leaving and that we have arrived safely? What is our backup plan?

Do we have the equipment we need?

What will we do before, during and after a fire? Does every family member know what to do?

EMERGENCY WARNING

WATCH AND ACT

ADVICE

A fire has started. There is no immediate danger. Stay up to date in case the situation changes.

EMERGENCY WARNING

WATCH AND ACT

There is a heightened level of threat. Conditions are changing and you need to start taking action to protect you and your family.

ADVICE

EMERGENCY WARNING

An Emergency Warning is the highest level of Bush Fire Alert. You may be in danger and need to take action immediately. Any delay now puts your life at risk.

WATCH AND ACT

ADVICE

Mow grass and remove the cuttings.

2. MOW

LIVE BUSH FIRE READY

NSW SES is developing new content for the Triple Zero Kids’ Challenge to help children learn about floods, storms and tsunamis

The resource follows the school curriculum and includes interactive lesson plans and innovative ways to work with kids to build skills and knowledge. Find out more... https://kids.triplezero.gov.au

Resources can be found at www.ses.nsw.gov.au

STORM, FLOOD & TSUNAMI SAFETY

STORMSAFE

Are you at risk?

Storms can happen anywhere, at any time of the year. It is important to prepare your family and property by making and practicing your plan to keep you and your family safe. This can help prevent injuries and property damage that can occur during storms.

Severe weather, such as strong winds, hail, and rising water levels (flash flooding) can cause injuries to people and damage to properties. Damaging winds can bring down trees, branches, power lines, remove roofs and blow around outdoor items, like outdoor furniture and trampolines

Heavy rainfall can cause water to:

• damage exposed homes and belongings

• rise rapidly, flooding homes, property and roads

• drain rapidly making floodwaters, drains, and other water courses a safety hazard

Damaging surf can be unsafe and flood homes and properties in coastal areas.

You may also be indirectly affected by storms; access roads may be blocked or you may lose power, sewage, utilities, telcommunications, including mobile reception.

Know the warning signs for severe weather

The Bureau of Meteorology and the NSW SES will issue different kinds of warnings for severe weather through multiple ways including on their websites and social media.

There are also natural signs of severe weather you can look out for including:

• Gathering storm clouds

• Darkening skies

• Increasing winds

• Rapid changes in temperatures

When a storm warning is broadcast

Servere Weather Warnings and Severe Thunderstorm Warnings are issued by the Bureau of Meterology to alert communities to the threat of severe weather. When a warning is issued for your area (but before the storm arrives), there are a few things you can do to help protect your family and property:

• Move indoors, bringing children and pets with you

• Park your car under secure cover and away from trees, powerlines and drains.

YOUR EMERGENCY CHECKLIST

Your emergency kit provides items you might need if you lose power or need to leave your home in a hurry.

Your emergency kit contents:

A portable radio with batteries

A torch with spare batteries

A first aid kit

Candles and waterproof matches

Important papers including emergency contact numbers

Copies of any emergency plan

A waterproof bag for valuables

When leaving or evacuating your property, place into your emergency kit:

Medications

Supplies for your baby

Supplies for any other people, pets or animals in your care

Appropriate clothing and footwear

Food and drinking water

Learn more about Storm Safety Watch – What is a severe thunderstorm?

During a storm

During a storm, there are simple things you can do to help protect your family:

• Never enter or travel through floodwater

• Stay indoors, clear of windows

• Stay clear of creeks, drains, causeways, gutters, streams, fallen trees, power lines and damaged buildings

• If driving, put your hazard lights on and pull over to the side of the road keeping clear of drains, causeways, streams, creeks, trees and power lines

• If outdoors, seek secure shelter away from drains, causeways, streams, creeks, trees and power lines

• Listen to your local radio station and other media for information, updates and advice.

After the storm

• Keep listening to your local radio station for information, updates and advice

• Check your house or property for damage

• Stay clear of creeks, drains, causeways, gutters, streams, fallen trees, power lines and any damaged buildings

• Check to see if your neighbours need help

• Do not go sightseeing as this may hinder recovery efforts or put yourself and others at risk.

FLOODSAFE

Are you at risk from floods?

If you live close to a creek, river, major stormwater drain or in a low-lying area, you may be at risk from flooding even if you have not experienced it personally.

Families should learn and talk about their flood risks, why floods occur and understand key terms such as flood watch (flooding may happen in the area), flood warning (flood is happening or will happen very soon) and evacuation (leave the area now/before a certain time.)

Floodwaters can kill and may carry debris or contaminants that can cause injuries or disease. Families should make plans for what they will do if they become impacted by floodwaters.

During a flood

How do I prepare when flooding is about to happen?

• Never drive, ride or walk through floodwater

• Listen to your local radio station for information, updates and advice

• Locate and check you Emergency Kit

• Move pets and agisted animals to high ground

• Stack possessions, records, stock or equipment on benches and tables, placing electrical items on top

• Secure objects that are likely to float and cause damage

• Relocate waste containers, chemicals and poisons well above floor level

• Activate your Home FloodSafe Plan

• Keep in contact with your neighbours and make sure they are aware of the Flood Warning

• Be prepared to evacuate if advised by emergency services

• Act early as roads may become congested or close.

Watch and Act - Prepare to evacuate

In addition, to prepare for possible evacuation:t

Learn more about Flood Safety

Learn how to be prepared for a flood Learn about your flood risk

You can do now to prepare for floods

• Have your mobile phone close and pack your charger, battery-powered radio, medicine, rain gear, warm clothes, blankets, baby and pet items, water, food, torch, something to attract attention, and valuables like photos and insurance or banking records

• Wear enclosed shoes and pack warm clothes to last you for at least three days

• Arrange to evacuate to the home of family or friends who are in a safe location away from flooding. Consider how to transport your pet(s) and companion animals

• Never drive, walk, ride through, play or swim in floodwater - it is dangerous and toxic

• Obey all signs about road closures and instructions from emergency services.

Emergency Warning - Evacuate now/before In addition, when you leave:

• Turn off the electricity and gas at the mains before you leave and turn off and secure any gas bottles

• The safest option is to evacuate as early as possible to avoid additional hazards. Do not wait until the last minute

• Immediately move to a safer location away from present and potential flooding. Travel to the home of family or friends who are in a safe location away from flooding

• Take your pets with you

• Never enter or travel through floodwater

For more information, visit:

ses.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/animal-safety

TSUNAMISAFE

What is a Tsunami?

A tsunami is a series of waves generated b y a sudden displacement of large volumes of water from a number of causes including:

• Vertical movement of the sea floor as the result of a large earthquake

• Submarine or coastal volcanic eruptions

• Meteor impacts

• Coastal landslides and slumps, either land-based or submarine

What is the real threat of a Tsunami in NSW?

According to the Bureau of Meteorology, there have been more than 50 Tsunami events in Australia since 1788, mostly causing dangerous rips, waves, and strong currents.

The impact of a Tsunami hitting vulnerable lowlying areas of the NSW coast could be significant. While a land-threat Tsunami is of low-likelihood it will have an extremely high-impact when it does occur.

Tsunami threat levels and warnings

The first stage of the process for warning you is a ‘tsunami watch’.

If there is a threat, Geoscience Australia and the Bureau of Meteorology’s Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre (JATWC) will co-issue a National Tsunami Watch, with three possible threat levels:

• No threat - An undersea earthquake has been detected, however it has not generated a Tsunami, or the Tsunami poses no threat to Australia and its offshore territories.

• Marine and immediate foreshore threat

• Warning of potentially dangerous rips, waves and strong ocean currents in the marine environment and the possibility of only some localised overflow onto the immediate foreshore.

• Land inundation threat - Warning for low-lying coastal areas of major land inundation, flooding, dangerous rips, waves and strong ocean currents. Emergency services may commence evacuations immediately

What you need to do

It is important to act early on warnings as tsunamis can reach the coastline quickly.

• Locate your Emergency Kit and add any medications, important papers, special items for babies, elderly, clothing, food and water

• If you have a Home and/or Business Emergency Plan, use it now

• Keep listening to your local radio station or other media for any updates and advice

• Follow advice given to you by emergency services

• Check that your neighbours have received this advice.

Marine and Immediate Foreshore

• Get out of the water and move away from the immediate water’s edge of harbours, coast estuaries, rock platforms, and beaches

• Boats in harbours, estuaries and in shallow coastal water should return to shore. Secure your boat and move away from the waterfront

• Vessels already at sea should stay offshore in deep water until further advised

• DO NOT go to the coast to watch the tsunami.

Land Inundation

• Move Up 10 meters above sea level, Up 10km of estuaries and at least 1km Away from the coastline/ water’s edge. Remember Up, Up & Away

Where to go

Find the safest route to travel in case you need to evacuate, look at the evacuation map and local maps. You may need to think about walking or ride a bike, as roads may be blocked or congested with other cars. Find out where any evacuation centres could be set up in your area. If you prefer, check with friends and family outside the affected area to organise a place to go.

Consider: If you live or work within a couple of kilometres of the coast line, how will you prepare? Where will you go?

Learn more about Tsunami Safety

Learn more about the SES Home Emergency Plan Checklist

Are you in a tsunami evacuation area?

STREET SMART

ROAD SAFETY

KEEPING YOUR CHILDREN SAFE

Children are vulnerable road users. They are at risk in the traffic environment because of their size, their difficulty in judging speed and distance and the fact that they may behave unpredictably.

Your child may be able to tell you the rules and how to keep safe near in and around vehicles, but in reality, they will not always be able to apply them.

More than one million children in NSW travel to and from school each day by car, bike, public transport or as a pedestrian.

40km/h school zones are in place to help protect children on their way to and from school at the times and places where they are often in high numbers, and every school in NSW has at least one set of school zone flashing lights. The NSW Government also funds the NSW Road Safety Education Program. This program supports delivery of road safety education to children and young people from early childhood to the end of high school.

But this alone is not enough and families and carers play a critical role in helping to keep children and young people safe. You can help by following some simple safety steps and by regularly reinforcing important road safety messages with your children.

PEDESTRIAN SAFETY

Each year, kids are killed and injured playing near or trying to cross the road.

A responsible adult should always actively supervise young children in the road environment.

Key road safety messages to share with your kids:

Younger kids

• Hold a grown-up’s hand when - you cross the road

- you’re on the footpath

- you’re in the car park

Older kids

• Hold an adult’s hand when you cross the road (up to 10)

• Use a safe place to cross the road

• Stop! Look! Listen! Think! every time you cross the road

TIPS FOR FAMILIES:

• Until children are atleast 8 years old, theyshould always hold an adult’s hand whenever they are out and about

SCHOOL ZONE

END SCHOOL ZONE

• Up until they are at least 10 years old, children should always be supervised very closely, and should hold an adult’s hand when crossing the road

• When crossing the road with your child, practice and talk about the following procedure:

- STOP well back from the kerb

- LOOK continuously both ways

- LISTEN for sounds of approaching traffic

- THINK whether is it safe to cross, and keep checking both ways until safely across

• Use a pedestrian crossing where possible. Take care whenever you cross. Vehicles don’t always stop, even when they should

• lways use the available pedestrian facilities such as crossings or traffic lights with pedestrian signalised crossings.

• Never assume that a driver can see you or will stop for you.

• Make sure drivers see you and have stopped before you cross the road or driveway.

• Check for turning vehicles before you leave the kerb and when crossing driveways.

• Always walk on the footpath. If there isn’t one, walk on the side of the road towards approaching cars not on the road

For more information and activities, visit safetytown.com.au

Watch a video on Road Safety

Learn more about the Road Safety Education Program

SAFETY IN CARS

Key road safety messages to share with your kids:

• Click clack front and back

• Always buckle up safely

• Get in and out of the car on the footpath side Seat Belt Safety

The overriding basic rule for the safety of children in cars is for every child to use the right restraint on every trip.

National Child Restraints laws:

• Children up to the age of six months must be secured in an approved rearward facing restraint

• Children aged from six months old but under four years old must be secured in either a rear or forward facing approved child restraint with an inbuilt harness

approved child safety harness in conjunction with the vehicle’s seatbelt.

older children, an approved booster seat, or an approved child safety harness in conjunction with the vehicle’s seatbelt.

For detailed information on correct child restraint visit childcarseats.com.au

OTHER IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER:

• If your child is too small for a restraint specified for their age, they should stay in their current restraint for as long as necessary

• If your child is too large for a restraint specified for their age, they may move to the next level of restraint

• It is important to check that the restraint is properly fitted.

• Children must use a child restraint on every trip

Learn more about Child Carseats

• Children under four years old cannot travel in the front seat of a vehicle with two or more rows

• Children under four years old cannot travel in the front seat of a vehicle with two or more rows of seats

• Children aged from four years old but under seven years old must be secured in a forward facing approved child restraint with an inbuilt harness or an approved booster seat

• Children aged from four years old but under seven years old cannot travel in the front seat of a vehicle with two or more rows, unless all other back seats are occupied by children younger than seven years in an approved child restraint or booster seat

• Children should always get in and out of the car using the Safety Door which is the rear kerb side door

What you must not do

• Do not carry a child on your lap. It is impossible to hold onto a child in a crash and it is illegal

• Do not put two children in one seat belt as it is not safe and is illegal; in a crash they can be injured by colliding with each other

• Do not sit a child on an adult’s lap with the seat belt around both of them. The child is likely to be crushed by the adult’s weight against the seat belt and it is illegal

Compare Child Carseats using the Child Restraint Evaluation Program

• Children aged from seven years old but under 16 years old who are too small to be restrained by a seatbelt properly adjusted and fastened are strongly recommended to use either a forward-facing seat with an in-built harness for older children, an approved booster seat, or an

Transport for NSW

• Do not let children ride in the luggage space of cars. This is also illegal and very dangerous. All children must be restrained in an appropriate child restraint.

• Do not let children ride in the luggage space of cars. This is also illegal and very dangerous. All children must be restrained in an appropriate child restraint. For more information and activities, visit safetytown.com.au

For more information and activities, visit safetytown.com.au

1 2 3 4 5

Sit upright with their back against the seat

Bend their knees over the edge of the seat

Sit with the sash belt across their mid-shoulder

Sit with the lap belt across the top of their thighs

whole trip

Learn more about Kids

Unattended in Cars

KIDS IN HOT CARS - WARNING

Why are children at risk?

Watch a video on

Hot Kids in Cars

Safety by Chef Matt

Moran

The temperature inside a parked car can be more than 30 degrees hotter than outside. Children are particularly at risk because they lose fluid quickly. Dehydrated children are at risk of suffering potentially life threatening heatstroke. There are a number of situations that can lead to an incident; changes in a normal routine or the keys being accidentally locked inside can result in a child being left in a car unintentionally. Parents sometimes choose to leave their child unattended, thinking they will only be gone for a few minutes. This can easily turn into ten to fifteen minutes and because the temperature rise in a vehicle is so rapid, even a short amount of time can place them in extreme danger.

REDUCE THE RISKS

• Never leave a child unattended in a car

• If you have to leave the car, even for a minute, always take the children with you

• Create a ‘look before you leave’ routine whenever you get out of the car

• Leave something in the back seat that you will

need to take with you (e.g. handbag or laptop) as a reminder that you have a child with you

• Remember that large cars heat up just as fast as smaller ones

• Lock cars and secure keys out of reach of children to prevent children gaining access to and playing inside the car

WHAT IF I FIND A CHILD UNATTENDED IN A CAR?

• Look for the parents or carers.

• If they can’t be found, if the child is distressed or you are concerned about the child’s health, don’t delay – call 000 and ask for the Fire Brigade.

• Give your location, the vehicle registration number, the approximate age of the child and the condition of the child.

• If the car is unlocked, open the doors and shield windows with a blanket etc.

• Wait for emergency services, or safely try to remove the child from the vehicle if you are concerned about the child’s condition as every second counts!

KIDS IN HOT CARS - THE NUMBERS

5,000

Every year across Australia, approximately 5,000 children have to be rescued from cars.

75% of total temperature rise occurs within the first 5 minutes of parking a car.

70°C

Even on a cooler day, temperatures inside a car can reach well above 70°C

30+

The temperature inside a parked car can be over 30 degrees hotter than outside.

Three quarters of children rescued from cars are aged under four years old.

GENERAL SAFETY IN THE CAR

Drive carefully, take rests, take care in the heat

Fasten your seat belt and make sure everyone is safely and appropriately restrained before starting the car. Many crashes are the result of driver error and fatigue. Rest stops help restore concentration, and beat drowsiness.

Babies, toddlers and children lose fluid quickly so it is important when travelling on hot days, to allow extra time for stops and to provide plenty of cool water or fluids. Never leave your child in a car for any period of time without adult supervision.

Driver Distraction

Don’t let your children’s behaviour distract you. Keep them occupied by talking or singing to them; provide soft toys to play with. On long trips, provide unspillable drinks, healthy snack foods; and avoid milk-based drinks for carsick-prone children. Take regular driver breaks and let the children out to run around.

SAFE TRAVEL

• Do not leave your children in the car for any period of time without adult supervision

• Provide plenty of cool water or fluids regularly during your journey

• Wear loose fitting, lightweight clothes when travelling in hot weather

• Travel in the cooler hours of the day

• Stop every two hours so all passengers, including children, have an opportunity to move freely

• Adjust restraint harness each time you use it, particularly in summer when children are wearing lightweight clothing

• Be careful using a hood on a child restraint to protect a child from the sun as it may reduce air flow and lead to over-heating. A window visor or sunshade may be a better alternative

• On every trip, short or long, take the time to check your children’s safety by re-checking the fit of their harnesses

• Regularly service your car and ensure the air conditioning is working effectively before going on long trips

• Regularly check your speed to ensure you are travelling within the posted speed limit.

• Follow speed advisory signs. This will help ensure you drive through that section of road safely.

• Speeding is not just travelling above the designated speed limit, but also driving too fast for the road or weather conditions.

MOBILE PHONE USE

The dangers of distraction

Driving is a complex task. Anything that takes your mind or eyes off the road, or your hands off the wheel, not only compromises your safety, but that of everyone else on the road. Being distracted increases your chances of having a crash. It slows down your reaction times and puts you in danger of failing to see hazards such as traffic lights, stop signs or other road users, including pedestrians and cyclists.

Since 1 March 2020, mobile phone detection cameras, including fixed and transportable cameras, have been targeting drivers illegally using a mobile phone across NSW anywhere, anytime. Make sure you know the rules for mobile use when driving, and take time to find ways to reduce the temptation to use your phone illegally when driving. It is illegal to hold and use your mobile phone in NSW.

For more detailed information on mobile phone use, visit transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/topics-tips/ mobile-phones

Learn more about Mobile Phone Use

Sydney Trains Rail Safety Education Program

For carers and teachers

Educating kids to stay safe

Rail safety is an essential life skill and Sydney Trains aims to educate school students and the community to travel safely on and around trains and stations

O ur team of educators can visit your school or community group with our FREE Rail Safety workshops that are tailored to the needs of the audience and their ages.

Rail safety incursions for Preschool to Y ear 10

Sydney Trains’ incursions are run in class groups (up

Free of charge to schools

Incursions are offered free of charge to all Public, Catholic and Independent schools in Sydney

Aligned to EYLF/Australian Curriculum

Incursions are positive messaging and are aligned to EYLF (preschool) or the Australian Curriculum (primary and secondary) to 30 students) for 20-60 minute sessions Content is tailored to the age and ability of the student group

If you’re a parent

Tell your child’s school about our Rail Safety workshops

Community groups and events

Our team of educators can visit your community group with workshops tailored to the needs of the audience and their ages, such as seniors and disability groups and host activity/information stalls at community events

Hi, I’m Axel the Sydney Trains Safety Super Hero. I help teach preschool and primary school kids how to stay

Sydney Trains empowers students to improve their safety with student-led activities, discussions and scenarios. Choose your incursion theme:

• Track Safety • Behaviour and Code o f Conduct • Graffiti and Vandalism • Security and Personal Safety • Fare Compliance

250,000 Australian school students use the rail network to commute to school each day, mostly unsupervised.

For more information visit

transport.nsw.gov.au/sydneytrains/education

Learn more about Train Safety

TRAIN SAFETY

HERE’S SOME ADVICE THAT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE:

• Stop, look, listen and think at level crossings.

• Obey the safety signs at every railway crossing and cross at marked crossings only.

• Stay on the path. Listen and look in both directions for approaching trains.

• If the red lights are flashing or the gate is closed, a train is coming so keep clear of the tracks.

• Never jump fences, gates or barriers. This is extremely dangerous and it is very likely the oncoming train is close to the crossing.

• If a train is coming, wait for it to pass and then stop, look and listen again before crossing as another train may be approaching.

• You might not hear a train, especially when using your earphones or mobile phone. Never assume a

RAIL CROSSING SAFETY

Always cross train tracks using a footbridge or underpass, or at designated pedestrian railway crossings. Crossing anywhere else is illegal and extremely dangerous.

Learn more about Railway Crossing Safety

• Ensure that you are not distracted by your mobile phone and remove headphones.

• Obey the safety signs at every railway crossing and cross at marked crossings only.

• Stay on the path. Listen and look in both directions for approaching trains.

• If the red lights are flashing or the gate is closed, a train is coming so keep clear of the tracks.

• Never jump fences, gates or barriers. This is extremely dangerous and it is very likely the oncoming train is close to the crossing.

• If a train is coming, wait for it to pass and then stop,

train is a long way off.

• Don’t ride bicycles, skateboards, skates or rollerblades across any pedestrian crossing.

It takes a lot to stop an eight-carriage train travelling at 100kmh. The braking distance for a train is approximately five football fields (500m).

Information reproduced with permission of Transport Sydney Trains – www.sydneytrains.info look and listen again before crossing as another train may be approaching.

• You might not hear a train, especially when using your earphones or mobile phone. Never assume a train is a long way off.

• Don’t ride bicycles, skateboards, skates or rollerblades across any pedestrian crossing.

• Never assume that it is safe to cross when the lights are still flashing. Even if a train has passed, there may be another train coming in the other direction. Only enter the crossing when the lights have stopped flashing or the gate has opened. For more information, visit transportnsw.info/ travel-info/using-public-transport/accessible-travel/ access-to-trains/level-crossing-safety

Left Sign: Railway crossing with traffic lights ahead. Centre & Right Signs: Railway crossing signs.

RAIL WAY CROSSING

Left Sign: Stop before crossing. Centre Sign: Stop if the red lights are flashing.

Right Sign: Give way at the crossing, be prepared to stop.

LIGHT RAIL SAFETY

Safety when travelling by light rail

Light rail stops and platforms

• Keep the pathway clear around you at the stop to allow others to walk past safely.

• When waiting on the platform, stand back from the track behind the yellow line.

• Wait until the light rail has come to a complete stop before attempting to board.

• Never touch a moving vehicle.

• If you have dropped something on the track, do not collect it yourself. Use the Emergency Help Point on the platform to receive assistance.

• Be cautious when crossing the tracks. Never cross if a vehicle is approaching. Follow the guidelines for level crossing safety.

Boarding and travelling on the light rail

• Stand back to allow passengers to get off the light rail before you get on.

• If travelling with a pram and young children, hold their hands when boarding to ensure they are not left behind.

• Do not board at the rear and front single doors if you have a pram, bike or other large item. Please note that bikes are not allowed on Newcastle light rail.

• Mind the gap and be careful getting on and off the light rail.

• Take a seat if one is available or hold onto a handrail.

• If you are concerned about your safety or the safety of others, or in an emergency, please:

• Move away from danger if possible

• Alert the driver by using the Emergency Help Point on board

• Listen for instructions from the driver

Safety when travelling by metro and train

Metro video help points

Each Metro station will have up to twelve video help points. When the blue button is pressed for general assistance the call will be connected via a video feed directly to staff at the control centre. When the green emergency button is pressed, the call will be prioritised and a trained operations control centre staff member will respond to your emergency.

GUIDELINES FOR STATIONS, PLATFORMS AND ON BOARD THE TRAIN

• Do not rush through the ticket gates, the doors of the metro, train or lift, as you can get injured.

• If you have luggage, use the lifts to get to and from the platform.

• When using the escalator, stand to the left and hold onto the side rails.

• When waiting on a train platform, stand back from the track behind the yellow line and wait until the train has come to a complete stop.

• Do not touch the metro or train doors, or the metro station platform screen doors when they are opening and closing.

• Stand back to allow passengers to get off the metro or train before you get on.

• Mind the gap when getting on and off the metro or train.

• Keep a hold of prams when on board as metro and train services can move suddenly.

• Once on board, either take a seat or hold onto the handrail.

• Offer your seat to someone who needs it more than you. This includes customers who are older, have a disability, impaired mobility, are pregnant or travelling with children.

• Keep your head, arms and legs clear of the aisle when seated.

• Try to avoid moving between carriages while a metro or train is moving. If you need to, always take care.

• Never attempt to get on or off a moving metro or train:

- after the departure whistle has blown - when the “doors closing” signal sounds - when the station staff announce the trains doors closing.

• If you are concerned about your safety or others:

- move away from the danger into another carriage

- use the Emergency Help Points to alert staff and listen for instructions.

Travelling with prams and children

There are some important safety measures to be aware of when travelling with prams and young children:

• Strap your child in securely and hold on to your pram.

• Apply the pram’s parking brake and park parallel to the edge of the platform, footpath or water’s edge.

• Stand behind the line on platforms and away from the curb at bus stops. Learn more about Light Rail Safety

Watch a video on Light Rail Safety

• Board with the pram in front, lifting the front wheels over the gap.

• Place prams out of the way of other passengers or staff.

• When young children are not in the pram, hold their hands when getting on and off public transport or on escalators and stairs.

• Where available, use the lift or ramp to get to and from platforms, stops and wharves.

• Keep children seated and close to you when waiting for and when on board public transport

• Never leave a pram or children unattended.

• If you have any concerns or need assistance, ask transport staff.

If the service is crowded, it may not be safe to board the light rail. You may need to wait for the next service.

• When young children are not in the pram, keep them close to you and hold their hand when boarding.

• When on board, hold onto young children as light rail services can move suddenly.

• Do not enter the rear or front single doors with a pram.

Security on the rail network

• There are more than 10,000 CCTV cameras across the train network in NSW and more than 1,340

CCTV cameras across the Sydney Metro network, with 38 CCTV cameras on each metro train.

• Police and transport officers regularly patrol metro and train services and stations.

• On Friday and Saturday nights between 3.00pm and 6.00am, Police Transport Command officers both in high visibility uniforms and plain clothing, patrol public transport to improve security and reduce crime.

• For safety, sit near other passengers at the station and on the train.

• On the train, sit near the guard’s compartment indicated with the blue light.

• On the platform, stand in an area covered by CCTV and close to Emergency Help Points. If travelling at night, stand where it is brightly lit.

• If you’re using a station car park and plan to return after dark, try to park in a well-lit area close to the station entrance. Make sure all of the windows are locked and valuables are out of sight. Turn your car alarm on.

• If you see bad behaviour or feel unsafe, inform staff straight away.

• In an emergency, call 000 or use the Emergency Help Points to speak to staff for assistance.

• Emergency Help Points are located on metro trains and trains and at least one fitted at each station.

• If you need immediate help, please contact the police on 000 or talk with staff.

For more information, visit transportnsw.info/travelinfo/safety-security/light-rail-safety

Learn more about Light Rail Safety

RIDING SAFETY

Riding a bike is a fun way to get around and encourages a healthy lifestyle. Research shows that helmets reduce head injuries by up to 74 per cent in crashes with motor vehicles. Wearing a helmet from the moment they start learning to ride will help your child to develop it as a habit and reduce the risk of head injuries.

While your child may learn skills such as balancing, pedaling and steering quite easily, they are still learning skills that help them to judge speed, distance and the direction of sound. Your young child will often ride with their head down, concentrating on pedaling, not the environment around them. Your child needs ongoing adult help in safe, off-road locations to gradually develop all their skills. The safest places to ride bikes, scooters and skateboards are within fenced areas. This helps keep your child from riding or falling onto the footpath or the road.

Key road safety messages to share with kids:

Younger kids

• Always wear a helmet when you ride or skate

• Ride your bike away from the road

Older kids

• Always wear a helmet when you ride or skate

• Ride your bike away from busy roads

TIPS FOR FAMILIES

• Until at least 10 years old, your child should ride offroad, away from vehicles and driveways

• Always wear a standards approved helmet when riding a bike in a public place. It is the law

supervising a child under the age of 16 who is also riding on the footpath.

• Always dismount a bike and wheel it across the road or crossing

• Do not double anyone. Let your friends walk beside your bike if necessary

• Keep your bike in control by keeping both hands on the handle bars at all times

• Drivers will also see you more easily if your bike has a flag and reflectors on both front and rear

• If you’re riding at night, have proper front and rear lights fitted otherwise people cannot see you

• Make yourself heard on the road - your bike must have a horn or a bell

• Check your tyres and brakes regularly. You don’t want the tyre to blow out or your brakes to fail when coming down a hill

SKATEBOARDS, SCOOTERS AND ROLLERBLADES

Foot scooter, skateboard and rollerblade riders should always wear an approved helmet, properly fitted and fastened, as well as protective pads on their knees and elbows. Bicycle helmets with a standards approved sticker, properly fitted and fastened provide the best head protection.

Remind your child to be considerate of pedestrians. Your child should keep to the left and ride in a courteous manner that does not cause other road users to react suddenly. They need to slow down or walk in busy areas.

Always wear a helmet when you ride or skate

• The helmet must be correctly fitted and comply with the Australian and New Zealand Standards. A helmet that is not correctly fitted and fastened does not provide enough protection in a crash. Children aged up to 16 years can ride their bikes on the footpath. Older children should use the bike lane

• Be visible on the road! Wear light coloured or reflective clothing when you are riding your bike, especially at night

• Supervising adults can ride on footpaths, if they’re

Your child will be more visible wearing bright, light coloured or reflective clothing. They should ride in a safe place off-road and away from vehicles and driveways. Your child should avoid using foot scooters, skateboards and rollerblades in car parks and on roads.

For more information and activities, visit safetytown.com.au

All bicycle riders are required by law to wear an approved helmet that is securely fitted and fastened. Make sure the helmet fits correctly. Check the helmet regularly for damage. It is best to replace a helmet that has been involved in a crash, dropped on a hard surface, has cracked foam, or frayed or worn straps.

ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET WHEN YOU RIDE OR SKATE

Can you place just two fingers between your eyebrows and your helmet?

Do the straps join in a ‘V’ just below your ears?

Can you fit just two fingers between the helmet strap and your chin?

Has an adult checked your helmet?

For more information on keeping your child safe on wheels visit the parents section on

METRO SAFETY

MAIN FEATURES

• Level access between the platform and train and three double doors per side per carriage for faster loading and unloading.

• Heating and air-conditioning in all metro trains.

• A new generation of fast, safe and reliable metro train.

• At all times, a team of expert train controllers will monitor Sydney Metro, making sure everything runs smoothly.

• Wheelchair spaces, separate priority seating and emergency intercoms inside trains.

• Continuous mobile phone coverage throughout the metro network.

• Two multi-purpose areas per train for prams, luggage and bicycles.

SAFETY FEATURES

Safety is the number one priority for the design, construction and operation of Sydney Metro, Australia’s first fully-automated rail network. Around the world, millions of people use these networks everyday in cities like Paris, Singapore, Dubai and Hong Kong. Before passenger services start, the operator will have to be accredited by the national rail safety regulator.

• Customer service assistants will be moving through the network during the day and night.

• Each train has 38 security cameras and inside each train you can see from the front to the back – a big safety benefit.

• Each train and platform also has help points that link directly back to the expert train controllers at the state-of-the-art operations control centre.

• The NSW Police Public Transport Command will patrol the metro rail network, just as they do for the rest of Sydney’s public transport network.

• State-of-the-art communications and control systems help run all aspects of this brand new standalone railway. These are part of a closed system with no external connections, as a safeguard.

Learn more about Sydney Metro

SCHOOL BUS SAFETY SCHOOL BUS SAFETY

SCHOOL BUS SAFETY

GETTING TO AND FROM THE BUS STOP

• Families are responsible for getting their child to and from the bus stop safely.

• Always supervise your child until they are at least 10 and hold their hand when walking to and from the bus stop or interchange and when crossing the road.

• When waiting for the bus, hold hands and wait as far back from the passing traffic as possible.

SCHOOL BUS SAFETY SCHOOL BUS SAFETY

GETTING OFF THE BUS

When travelling by bus, your child is most at risk in the minutes after they get off the bus. Meet your child AT the bus stop or interchange after school. NEVER wait on the opposite side of the road and call them across. If you cannot meet your child, organise for a trusted adult to take your place. Always wait until the bus has gone, then use a safe place to cross. Talk with your child about what to do:

• if you are delayed and cannot meet them as usual

• if they catch the wrong bus

• if they get off the bus at the wrong bus stop.

GETTING OFF THE BUS

Together, choose the safest place to cross the road and talk about:

STOP! one step back from the kerb LOOK! continuously both ways LISTEN! for the sounds of approaching traffic THINK! whether it is safe to cross

Keep checking as you cross the road.

DRIVING NEAR BUSES

Bus lights flash on the front and back of a bus when the bus is picking up or setting down school children. A 40km/h speed limit applies when bus lights flash. The speed limit is for all traffic travelling in the same direction as the bus, whether the bus is stationary or moving.

INFORMAL SCHOOL BUS STOPS

Informal bus stops are not sign posted and are usually found in rural areas. They may be at the front of a property or on the side of the road. Drivers may find it difficult to see children at informal bus stops. Families should take special care when using these stops. Staying on the bus a bit longer to travel to another bus stop may reduce the need for your child to have to cross the road.

For more information, visit roadsafety.transport.nsw. gov.au/campaigns/be-bus-aware/index

CDC NSW launches School Safety Programme

The programme focuses on establishing and maintaining high safety standards for all school-related bus transport. Key messages, developed in collaboration with National and NSW Safety authorities, include:

Keeping schools, teachers, and parents informed about service disruptions, safety advice, and Opal card usage.

Building positive relationships between CDC NSW staff and school administrators, teachers, and principals.

Educating students about the benefits of good behaviour and empowering them to feel confident and responsible.

An Educational Activity Booklet

Fostering positive relationships between students and drivers to encourage good behaviour and recognition.

Learn more about Ferry Safety

FERRY SAFETY

Catching a ferry is a great way to add fun and excitement to family outings – which makes it tempting to play on wharves and on board. Running around can be dangerous. With so much water around, it’s important to be careful. Be at the wharf at least five minutes before your ferry is due to leave so you have time to board safely, and remember that ferries are not playgrounds.

BOARDING AND TRAVELLING ON FERRIES

• Allow all passengers to get off the ferry before you get on. The crew holding the gangway will let you know when it is safe to board.

• When on board, take a seat if one is available or hold onto a handrail.

• Do not sit on the bow or side of the vessel.

• Do not lean out the windows or stand on the seats.

• Ensure luggage, bags and personal items are stowed correctly and are not blocking the aisle.

• Watch your step when using the stairs and hold onto the handrails as the ferry can move suddenly.

• When waiting to disembark, stand behind the yellow area on the vessels and follow instructions from the ferry crew.

• Speak with the crew if travelling with a bike or surfboard. They will advise if you can bring it onto the ferry and where to stow it.

• All ferries have life jackets. Please use as directed by staff.

SAFETY HINTS

• Don’t run around on the wharf, and don’t go near the edge. Hold an adult’s hand when you get on and off.

• Yellow and black stripes on wharves mean danger. Stay away from them – they are a no-go zone.

• Don’t run around on board, and never climb on or over railings. It is easy to fall over, and you could even fall into the water.

• Look for the big orange Emergency Help Point on wharves. In an emergency (like someone falling into the water) press the button and talk into it like a phone. Staff can see you and talk to you, and will send someone straight away.

• Tell the ferry crew if you feel like you are in trouble or need help. They are there to keep you safe.

PRAMS AND STROLLERS

• Small children need a helping hand to get through ticket gates. When you travel as a family, or with a pram or stroller, use the wide gates.

• Keep a firm hold while you are on the wharf, and use the brakes.

• Larger prams and strollers may not fit on gangways and will need to be collapsed before boarding.

• If possible on board, collapse and store strollers and prams, and sit your child on your lap or on the seat next to you.

• If you prefer to keep your child in the pram or stroller, put the brakes on and hold it firmly at all times.

Ferries are just one type of public transport in NSW you and your family can use. You can also travel on trains, buses and light rail. What they all have in common is how much they care about the safety of you and your family. Please follow any special rules they have to keep you safe.

For more information, visit transportnsw.info/ travel-info/safety-security/safety-when-travellingby-ferry

E-SCOOTERS

IS MY CHILD ALLOWED TO RIDE AN E-SCOOTER?

In NSW, it is illegal to ride a privately owned e-scooter on roads or road-related areas, including footpaths, shared paths, cycle ways and cycle paths.

KEEPING THE COMMUNITY AND RIDERS SAFE

Transport has set parameters to ensure the trials are delivered safely. At trial sites, shared e-scooters will be permitted on:

• roads (including bicycle lanes) with a posted speed limit of 50 km/h or below

• shared paths (which can be identified by signs and/or pavement markings showing a pedestrian and a bicycle)

• bicycle paths

View our summary of key trial parameters

RULES FOR RIDING A SHARED E-SCOOTER

• You must be at least 16 years of age to ride a shared e-scooter.

• You can ride a shared e-scooter hired from the selected operator on designated shared paths, bike lanes and paths and roads in trial areas. Use of private e-scooters remains illegal (including in trial areas).

• It is illegal to ride on footpaths

• You must wear an approved bicycle helmet, that is securely fitted and fastened, at all times.

• You are limited to travel speeds of 10km/h on shared paths and 20km/h on roads and bicycle lanes.

• Your e-scooter must have a bell, horn, or similar warning device, in working order.

• You must use the e-scooter lights when riding in darkness or hazardous weather conditions.

• A BAC limit of 0.05 applies when riding an e-scooter. If you’re drinking, don’t ride an e-scooter.

• E-scooter riders are subject to the same drug driving offences as motor vehicle drivers. You can’t have illicit drugs present in your system or ride while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

• If you’re caught drink or drug riding, serious penalties apply and you may face consequences for your driver’s licence.

• You don’t need a driver’s licence to ride an e-scooter.

• You must not carry another person or animal on your shared e-scooter

SAFETY TIPS FOR RIDING A SHARED E-SCOOTER

• Park your shared e-scooter thoughtfully, using marked bays if they are provided.

• Always wear brightly coloured clothing, so other

road users can see you easily.

• Ride predictably and indicate clearly so other people know your intentions.

• Use your bell, horn, or similar warning device, if necessary to warn others of your approach.

• Shared e-scooter scheme operators are required to have appropriate insurance cover for their devices.

STAY SAFE ROUND SHARED E-SCOOTERS

Bicycle Riders

• Always keep to the left.

• Make sure it is safe before overtaking shared e-scooters and leave enough space.

• Ride slowly around shared e-scooter riders.

• Use your bell or voice to let people know you are near them.

Pedestrians

• Always keep to the left.

• Hold hands with and closely supervise children.

• Keep your animal on a short leash.

• Be aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions such as mobile phones.

• If you need to stop, step off the path.

• Wear bright clothing so you can be seen by riders. Motorists

• Look out for shared e-scooter riders by regularly checking your mirrors and blind spots.

• You must leave a minimum distance of 1m when passing.

• Slow down around shared e-scooter riders.

For more information,. visit transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety

Learn more about

YOUR CHILD MUST BE 16 YEARS OR OLDER TO HIRE AND RIDE A SHARED E-SCOOTER WITHIN A TRIAL AREA.

IF YOU ALLOW YOUR CHILD TO RIDE A PRIVATELY OWNED E-SCOOTER, THEY ARE ONLY PERMITTED TO RIDE IT ON PRIVATE PROPERTY.

PERSONAL E-SCOOTERS REMAIN ILLEGAL IN NSW ROADS AND ROAD-RELATED AREAS, INCLUDING FOOTPATHS, SHARED PATHS AND BICYCLE LANES.

e-scooters

OUTDOOR SAFETY

SUN SAFETY

Cancer Council NSW recommends protecting your skin in five ways:

1. SLIP – on clothing that covers your arms and legs

2. SLOP – on 50+ or higher, broadspectrum sunscreen

3. SLAP – on a broad brimmed bucket or legionnaire hat

4. SEEK – shade

5. SLIDE – on wrap-around sunglasses with Australian Standard AS/NZS 1067:2003 and have an eye protection factor of (EPF) of 10.

CLOTHING (SLIP)

Protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and loose clothing with a close weave can prevent skin damage from the sun. Some clothing is labelled with information about its ultraviolet protection factor (UPF). UPF-40 or above offers very high protection and UPF-15 and above offers good protection.

SUNSCREEN (SLOP)

Broad spectrum sunscreen means it protects you from both types of radiation (UVA and UVB).4 The higher the sun protection factor (SPF) number, the better it protects you against sunburn. Most people don’t use enough sunscreen, meaning they don’t get enough protection.2 Sunscreen should be applied 20 minutes before going in the sun and then reapplied every two hours.

HATS (SLAP)

Choose a hat that is broad-brimmed or with a flap at the front and back (legionnaire style) so that your child’s face, ears and neck are protected. A hat made of close-weave fabric will reduce the amount of light that gets through. Baseball caps and sun visors are not recommended as they do not provide enough protection.

SHADE (SEEK)

Shade is more ideal than full sun, however sunburn can still occur in partial shade or when cloudy.

SUNGLASSES (SLIDE)

Sunglasses can protect your child’s eyes from short and long term damage. Sunglasses designed to wrap around the eyes do this well. Always purchase sunglasses which meet the Australian Standard (AS/ NZS 1067:2003). Sunglasses with an eye protection factor (EPF) value of 9 or 10 protect from almost all UVR.5 Toy sunglasses are not covered by the Standard and should not be used for sun protection. Sunglasses or goggles at the snow will also help to reduce exposure from glare and reflected UVR.

Remember:

• A suntan is not healthy.

• More care should be taken when your child is out in the sun near highly reflective surfaces such as snow or water.

• Babies and children are at greater risk of heat stress than adults.

• Never leave a baby or child alone in a car. If you need to leave, always take your child with you.

• Remember to slip, slop, slap, seek and slide

Clothing (slip)

• Encourage your children to wear clothing that covers as much skin as possible.

Sunscreen (slop)

• Broad-spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with a high SPF (50) should always be applied to children when playing outdoors. Apply generously and frequently (at least every two hours), particularly after swimming (always follow directions on sunscreen bottles).

Hats (slap)

• Ensure your child always wears a hat when outdoors which covers their face, ears and neck.

Shade (seek)

• Limit your children’s exposure to UVR. Seek shade between 11am and 3pm (daylight saving time) when UV levels are at their highest.

• Children under 12 months of age should not be exposed to direct sunlight.6

• When travelling in a car with your baby, make sure they are shaded. The sunlight which passes through the car window can burn your child’s skin.

Sunglasses (slide)

Ensure your child wears sunglasses that meet the Australian Standards.

Water and dehydration

• Active children should be encouraged to drink regularly to prevent thirstiness. Regular drink breaks during activity are important.

• Vigorous physical activity should be avoided in hot weather.

• Seek urgent medical assistance if your child shows any signs of heat stroke.

• Extra care needs to be taken with sick children or babies in hot weather. Extra fluids, such as breast milk or water, should be given to prevent the risk of dehydration.

For more information visit cancer.org.au

BEACH SAFETY

Millions of people visit at least one of Australia’s beautiful beaches every year. These famous beaches are not only enjoyed by lucky Australians but also visitors from all over the world – some who come for a visit, and others who choose to make Australia their home.

Although Australian beaches may look amazing, they can be unpredictable and hide some dangers that every visitor should be aware of. Here you will find some very helpful info and advice from our Lifeguards on beach safety, to ensure you enjoy your visit to the beach and stay safe!

Always swim between the red and yellow flags

When you see red and yellow flags on a beach, it indicates that there is currently a lifesaving service operating on that beach. The lifeguards have chosen a section of the beach that is best for swimming and they will closely supervise this area. Lifeguards pay more attention to the area between the red and yellow flags than any other part of the beach.

Read the safety signs

Before you go on to the beach be sure to read the safety signs. This will ensure you are aware of any warnings or dangers on the beach. You can also find other helpful information to make your day at the beach more enjoyable. You might also find single signs placed on the beach to highlight specific warnings.

Ask a lifeguard for safety advice

Lifeguards are highly trained and very knowledgeable about beach safety and conditions. When you arrive at the beach look for and identify the lifeguards. Feel free to ask them about the day’s conditions, as well any additional beach safety advice they might have for that specific beach – because every beach is different.

Swim with a friend

Not only is swimming with a friend (or family member) a fun way to enjoy the beach, it is also very sensible. While you are swimming together you can keep an eye out for each other, and if further assistance is required, one person could call or go for help. If everyone swimming together knows their own limits it is a good idea to share this with those around you so you can all stay within everyone’s comfortable limits.

If you need help, stay calm and attract attention

Even the most careful people can find themselves out of their limits in the water. If you are not feeling comfortable in the water and you require a lifeguard’s assistance to get back to shore, stay calm, raise your arm in the air and wave it from side to side. This will attract the attention of a lifeguard who will be able to come to your assistance. You should conserve your energy by floating on your back and staying calm. This will ensure you have the energy to remain afloat until further aid arrives. Learn more about

RIP CURRENTS

Rips are the number one hazard on Australian beaches. The best way to avoid a rip is to swim at a patrolled beach between the red and yellow flags. Rip currents are strong currents of water flowing away from shore through the surf zone. They are a strong force and on any given day, there are about 17,000 rips at beaches around Australia.

The Facts about Rip Currents

There are many myths about the ocean. Many people think it’s just tourists and poor swimmers who get caught in rips currents. In fact, it’s young men aged 15-39 years who are most likely to die in rips. Rips are the number one hazard on Australian beaches. The best way to avoid a rip is to swim at a patrolled beach between the red and yellow flags.

How to Spot a Rip Current

Rips are complex, can quickly change shape and location, and at times, are difficult to see. The things to look for are;

• Deeper, dark-coloured water.

• Fewer breaking waves.

• A rippled surface surrounded by smooth waters.

• Anything floating out to sea or foamy, discoloured, sandy, water flowing out beyond the waves. Rips don’t always show all of these signs at once.

How to Survive a Rip Current

• Relax – stay calm and float to conserve your energy.

• Raise – raise your arm and attract attention from lifeguards or lifesavers.

• Rescue – the lifeguards or lifesavers will be on their way to help you.

• While floating, rip currents may flow in a circular pattern and return you to an adjacent sandbar

• You may escape the rip current by swimming parallel to the beach, towards the breaking waves.

• Reassess your situation. If what you’re doing isn’t working, try one of the other options until you’re rescued or return to shore.

Watch The Facts about Rip Currents video

Learn How to Spot a Rip

Learn How to Survive a Rip

Learn more about how to beat the heat

SUN SAFETY AND HEAT STROKE

What is sun safety and heat stroke?

Enjoying the sun during outdoor activities is a favourite pastime for many people living in Australia. Too much sun, however, has been shown to cause skin damage and skin cancer. Sun safety practices can protect you and your children from the damaging effects of the sun and reduce the likelihood of long term harm.

How may a child be affected?

Learn more about sun safety and heat stroke

Download the sun safety and heat stroke fact sheet

Young children produce more body heat, sweat less and their temperature rises at a faster rate, putting them at a greater risk of heat related illness.

Heat Exhaustion

• Very hot and extreme heat conditions can lead to heat exhaustion in children. Signs of heat exhaustion are weakness, nausea and/or giddiness, pale appearance and breathlessness. Heat exhaustion is a serious condition that can develop into heat stroke.

Signs and symptoms

• Looking unwell and more irritable than usual

• Pale and clammy skin

• Sleepy and floppy

• Fewer wet nappies than usual

• Dark urine (normal is light straw colour)

• Refusing to drink

• Intense thirst (but as the baby gets weaker, he/she may drink less)

• Dry skin, mouth and eyes (no tears when crying)

What to do – first aid

• If you think your young child is suffering from heat exhaustion, seek medical advice.

• Move to a cool area and remove all extra clothes

• Try to give your child drinks (unless unconscious and not able to swallow)

• An older child with heat exhaustion should be offered water or diluted fruit juice (1 part juice in 4 parts water)

• Cover your child with cool damp cloths or sponge he/she down with water

Heat Stroke

• Heat stroke occurs when a child’s body temperature rises too high, too quickly. A child’s normal body temperature ranges between 36.50°C and 37.50°C. When a child suffers from heat stroke, their temperature can rise to 40.50°C or higher. Humid weather and dehydration can make it difficult for the child to sweat and cool themselves down enough to maintain a healthy temperature. If severe enough, it can cause damage to the body organs and be fatal.

• Temperatures inside a car can reach over 700°C, even on a cool day. The car increases in temperature the most within the first five minutes of parking a car. Leaving the windows down only provides a small drop in temperature. As a result children left in cars are at a very high risk of heat stroke.

Signs and symptoms

All the signs of heat exhaustion as above plus:

• Rising body temperature

• Red, hot and dry skin

• Rapid breathing

• Vomiting

• Confusion

• Coma (not responding when touched or called)

What to do – first aid

Immediately call 000 and ask for an ambulance

• Move to a cool area and remove all extra clothes

• If the baby or child is conscious and able to drink, give small sips of cool fluids

• Bring their temperature down using any method available (sponging with cool water, cool bath, or covering with cool damp cloths)

• If unconscious, lay the child on their side (recovery position) and check they can breathe properly. Support their head with your hand

• Perform CPR if needed

For more information visit:

• https://kidshealth.schn.health.nsw.gov.au/sun-safetyand-heat-stroke

• https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/ beattheheat/Pages/babies-children-hot-weather.aspx

BOATING SAFETY

It’s important to educate children on how to stay safe when boating. Teaching them safe boating practices including wearing a lifejacket, knowing the safety equipment and how to navigate safely will ensure they are prepared and have an enjoyable time on the water. When taking your children out on your vessel:

• Make sure they have a lifejacket and wear it at all times.

• Show them where all the safety equipment is, including how to use items such as the radio, EPIRB and flares in case of an emergency

• Teach them about keeping a proper lookout and maintaining a safe speed and distance from other vessels and people in the water.

• Educate them about keeping all parts of their body inside the vessel when underway.

WEAR A LIFEJACKET

Lifejackets are the most important item of safety equipment on any recreational vessel. Wearing a lifejacket can save your life and it’s recommended that you wear one at all times.

Everyone on board must have access to a lifejacket that is the correct size and in good working order. Everyone must wear a lifejacket:

• On vessels up to 4.8m long at night, when boating alone (including with a child aged under 12), and when boating on alpine and open waters.

• On Personal Watercraft (PWC)

• When being towed by a vessel

• On canoes and kayaks at night, when boating alone

(including with a child aged under 12), and when boating on alpine and open waters. Everyone must wear a lifejacket:

• on all vessels up to 4.8m long at all times

• in open areas of all vessels up to 8m long when the vessel is underway.

Children aged 12 years and over must follow the same rules for wearing a lifejacket as adults, although its strongly recommended they wear one at all times.

ARE YOU BOAT READY?

As the skipper, it’s your responsibility to keep everyone safe. Take the time to plan for your trip, be prepared and know the conditions and your limits, and use good judgement to predict changes such as the weather while out on the water.

Be aware that the conditions can change while you are out on the water, so ensure that you know the position of children and their movements on board the vessel at all times.

Fore more information on lifejackets and boating safety, contact Transport for NSW on 13 12 36 or visit nsw.gov.au and lifejacketwearit.com.au.

For more information on boating safely with children, visit rms.nsw.gov.au/maritime or call the info line 13 12 36.

Further information on lifejackets can be found at rms.nsw.gov.au/lifejackets or lifejacketwearit.com.au.

Learn more about Wearing a Lifejacket

PLAYGROUND SAFETY

Playgrounds and playground injuries

Playing in playgrounds is great for your child’s physical, social and thinking development.

Most playground injuries are minor – cuts, bruises and a few tears are the most likely dramas. But every now and then falls from playground equipment can lead to more serious injuries.

The most common playground injuries are fractures and dislocations. These injuries happen when children fall from equipment like climbing frames, monkey bars and slides.

Children are most often injured falling from climbing play equipment like monkey bars, mostly because these types of equipment are high up. But children also hurt themselves falling from slides, swings and trampolines.

Preschoolers and primary school-age children are most likely to hurt themselves, because they’re still developing physical coordination, muscle strength – and the judgment they need to work out whether jumping from the monkey bars is a good idea!

Playground safety: supervision and skills

The best way to help your child avoid bumps and bruises in playgrounds is to actively supervise your child at play.

By staying close to your child, especially when they’re trying something new or complicated, you can help keep playground visits safe and give your child the confidence to develop movement skills.

It’s also important to choose activities and equipment that suit your child’s skills and abilities. These guidelines can help when you’re deciding what equipment is best for your child:

• If your child is under three years, try to stick to playground equipment less than 1 m in height.

• If your child is aged 3-5 years, try to stick to playground equipment less than 1.5 m in height. If your child is older than five years, try to stick to

equipment that is no higher than 2 m off the ground.

• If you give your child plenty of opportunities to play and practice, they’ll keep developing the skills they need for safely using and enjoying monkey bars, climbing frames, swings and slides. For example, once your child can climb confidently, they could try climbing a short ladder with your support.

Safe playground equipment and environments

To keep children safe and avoid injury at playgrounds, it’s a good idea to check the safety of the playground equipment and environment:

• Buckle your child into swings if buckles are available. Your child will be less likely to fall out.

• Check that the equipment is in good condition and the general environment has no obvious safety hazards, like sharp sticks.

• Check the temperature of playground equipment like metal slides, poles, barriers and surfaces. Materials like metal, rubber and artificial turf can heat up in the sun and become hot enough to burn.

• Look for a safe ground surface in your playground. The equipment should be set in a thick layer of material like organic mulch, which will cushion falls. It could also be soft rubber flooring. If hard surfaces are exposed or mulch levels are too low, report it to your local council.

• Look for a playground that has shadecloth over some or all of the equipment, or at least some shade nearby.

• Look for a playground with a fence around it. This will help to stop young children from running on to nearby roads. It also makes it much easier if you’re looking after several children at once.

OFF-ROAD MOTORCYCLE SAFETY

Off road motorcycles are 2-wheeled vehicles that require the user to shift their body weight while riding. People do not need a licence to ride them as long as they are not on public roads. Off-road motorcycles are popular for sports and recreation but also farm use as well.

How may a child be injured?

Injuries occur in a variety of settings (e.g. at home, on farms, in recreational areas and at Motocross competitions). Children sustain injuries from collisions, rollovers, falls and from jumps. Children may collide with objects and other riders, causing injuries to themselves and others. Loss of control is the most common cause of injury. This is because children aged less than 10 years lack hazard perception and the ability to control speed.

Falls

• Falls may result in severe fractures, abdominal, head and chest injuries.

Cuts and bruises

• Children may sustain cuts and bruises, particularly when they are not wearing full body protective clothing.

Strangulation

• Children may suffer strangulation if riding under a clothesline or fence. This injury occurs during times of poor visibility or if terrain is uneven.

Struck by object

• Children may collide with objects and other riders, causing injury to themselves and others.

• Children may be injured when the motorcycle tips over and falls on them.

In NSW between 2003 and 2012 there were 13 deaths of children aged 0-17 from off-road motorcycles, otherwise know as “dirt bikes”.

The likelihood of serious injuries rapidly increases when riders start doing jumps. Children injured from jumps suffer more severe injuries.

Is there a Law or an Australian Standard for offroad motorcycles?

Riders of motorcycles on NSW roads must be at least 16 years and nine months and obtain a rider licence by completing a training course and knowledge test. However there are no requirements to use motorcycles off-road on private property. Significant fines apply for riding off-road motorcycles on public land, which includes State Forests and National Parks.

SKATEBOARDS, FOOT SCOOTERS AND ROLLERBLADES

The law

A pedestrian includes “a person in or on a wheeled recreational device or wheeled toy”. This includes rollerblades, a skateboard, scooter, unicycle or similar wheeled device:

• Foot scooters, skateboards and rollerblades may be ridden on footpaths unless signs specifically prohibit them, however, riders must keep to the left and give way to other pedestrians

• Powered foot scooters cannot be registered and can only be used on private land

• On separated bicycle and pedestrian paths, foot scooter, skateboard and rollerblade riders must use the section designated for bicycles, but must keep out of the path of any bicycle

• Foot scooters, skateboards and rollerblades can only be used on the road during daylight hours

• They cannot be used on roads with a dividing line or median strip or a speed limit greater than 50km/h, or a one-way road with more than one marked lane

Safety advice

• On the footpath, riders of foot scooters, skateboards or rollerblades should not threaten pedestrians, especially the elderly – they may need to slow down or dismount in busy areas

• To improve safety and enjoyment, foot scooters, skateboards and rollerblades are best ridden in recreational areas designated for their use

• Foot scooter, skateboard and rollerblade riders should wear helmets and protective gear such as knee and elbow pads

Learn more about skateboards, foot scooters and rollerblade safety

PETS AND CHILDREN

Things to remember:

We’ve long loved dogs for being man’s best friend, but not so well known is that our pets can actually make us physically and mentally healthier. Just the presence of our pets can lift our spirits and help us relax.

Physical health benefits

Research has shown that owning a pet can have a number of physical health benefits

• Increased cardiovascular health (lower blood pressure, lower triglycerides and in men, lower cholesterol)

• Increased physical activity. Dogs especially help us get out and enjoy the outdoors while getting some regular exercise. They are great motivators and personal trainers, never wanting to miss a training session no matter the weather.

• Fewer visits to the doctor

• Growing up with a dog (and other pets to a lesser extent) during infancy may help to strengthen the immune system and may reduce the risk of allergies

• Children who have pets are less likely to miss days of school due to illness

Psychological benefits

Research has shown that owning a pet can have a number of psychological benefits

• A study of school children showed that pet owners were more popular but also seemed more empathetic.

• Those who have pets including children or adolescents have been shown to have higher selfesteem. Teenagers who own pets have a more positive outlook on life and report less loneliness,

restlessness, despair and boredom.

• Pet owners report less depression and appear to cope with grief, stress and loss better than nonpet owners.

• Pets enhance social connectedness and social skills and are great conversation starters!

• Pets are also great caregivers. They keep us company when we’re sick or feeling down. They can make us feel safe while we’re home alone and they keep an eye on the house while we’re out.

The basics of children and pets

Children should be supervised with companion animals. Make sure that cats and dogs can get away from children (or adults, or other pets!) if they want to – your pet should have an area where they can go to if they’re feeling overwhelmed and want to have a break from the child.

Having a pet is a valuable opportunity to teach kids about compassion, empathy and how to care for a pet (such as feeding and exercise); as well as the basics of animal behaviour. For example, you can teach your children that dogs should be left alone when they’re eating, sleeping or overly excited. You can also teach your children how to recognise signs of stress or fear in animals – not just the ones that most adults recognise such as growling or hissing, but also less common signs such as yawning or frequent blinking in dogs or swishing of the tail in cats.

Teaching children to safely handle and interact with animals by encouraging gentleness and respect will help create a bond of mutual trust and will help everyone get along happily and safely.

For more information visit: www.rspca.org.au

KIDS ON FARMS

Tips to help keep kidssafe on farms environment. Dangers come especially from farm machinery, chemicals, water and animals.

PLAY SAFETY

Farms provide a wonderful environment for children to grown up in and to visit. However, they are working environments and there can be many dangers and hazards for children. These safety tips are aimed at reducing injuries so that farms continue to be great places to live, learn and have fun.

VEHICLE SAFETY

Vehicles and machinery are an essential part of farm life. Unfortunately they are also a leading cause of injury.

• Children should not ride on tractors or in the back of utes.

• Children should not ride quad bikes or be carried as passengers on quad bikes.

• Always supervise children when vehicles are being moved. Hold hands with young children.

• Ensure all children are appropriately and correctly restrained when travelling in vehicles on the farm.

• Take keys out of vehicles and machinery when not in use and put out of reach of children.

• Always ensure children wear helmets and other protective equipment when riding bikes.

• Check that the bike is suited to the child’s size and ability.

FARM WATER SAFETY

Q. Where do toddlers commonly drown on farms?

Watch a video on Farm Safety for Kids

Learn more about Keeping Kids Safe on Farms

A. The most common location for toddler drowning deaths on farms are dams. However, the farm environment has a range of other water locations including dams, troughs, irrigation channels, water tanks and swimming pools.

Q. How many children drown on farms?

A. On average 4 children under the age of five drown in farm dams every year and there are approximately 3 hospitalisations for every drowning death.

Q. How do I keep my child safe?

A. In rural areas, it is not always feasible to fence off large water bodies such as lakes or dams, so Royal Life Saving suggests parents create a Child Safe Play Area. Royal Life Saving has also developed the Keep Watch @ The Farm program which provides information and useful resources to improve parent/carer awareness of drowning prevention strategies on farms.

Q. What is a Child Safe Play Area?

A. A Child Safe Play Area is a carefully planned, designated location which is securely fenced and helps to prevent a young child from entering the farm without adult supervision. Pool fencing requirements, including appropriate ‘child resistant’ gates and latches, can be used as a guide in planning a safe play area. For more information visit www.keepwatch.com. au for Fact Sheet No. 6 Child Safe Play Areas.

Q. Why do parents leave their children unsupervised?

A. There are many reasons why a parent’s attention can be diverted from their child. Busy lifestyles, phone calls, visitors, preparing meals and other siblings are just some of the things which demand attention. The Keep Watch program advocates for supervision to be supported by fenced Child Safe Play Areas, water awareness and resuscitation skills.. been educating Australian parents and carers on how to keep their children safe when in, on, or around the water in a variety of locations. We are now tailoring the approach to locations with specific hazards – like those found on a farm.

For more information you can also visit: farmsafe.org.au

THE FACTS ABOUT VAPING

Electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes, often called ‘vapes’, are electronic devices designed to deliver vapourised liquids into the lungs. There are many different styles of vapes available and they can be difficult to spot.

The main ingredient in vapes is propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine or glycerol, and they often also contain nicotine, flavours and other chemicals. Vapes may contain harmful chemicals that aren’t listed on the pack.

The biggest misunderstanding about vapes is that they are harmless compared to cigarettes. This is not true. Vapes are not safe.

Many vapes contain nicotine making them very addictive

The nicotine in 1 vape can = 50 cigarettes

Vaping has been linked to serious lung disease

Vapes can contain the same harmful chemicals found in cleaning products, nail polish remover, weed killer and bug spray

Young people who vape are 3 times as likely to take up smoking

Vapes come in a variety of designs and styles and can be easy to conceal

Do you know what they’re vaping? Get the evidence* and facts at health.nsw.gov.au/vaping *All statements are backed by evidence which can be found on the website

DRUG AND ALCOHOL AWARENESS

VAPING

Do you know what they’re vaping?

We are urging you to find out more and talk about the hidden impacts of vapes with your children. Alarmingly, we are seeing an increase in the number of young people trying vaping.

Young people may think they are simply inhaling flavoured water, this is far from the truth. Vapes can have the same harmful chemicals found in cleaning products, nail polish remover, weed killer and bug spray. Vapes are colourful, with flavours that make them appealing.

You wouldn’t put cleaning products in your food, so why would you want to put it into your lungs?

What you can do as a parent or carer

There are ways you can help protect your children from vaping:

• Whether you suspect your child is vaping or not, take the time to talk to them about it and help them understand all of the risks. It is never too late to have the conversation.

• Try to start the conversation with your child in a relaxed easy-going way, perhaps taking the cue from around you, such as a note from school, a news story about it, or seeing people vaping on the street.

• If your child is vaping, encourage them to stop, let them know that help is available and you are there for them.

• Learn about the different types of vapes available and the risks associated with using these products.

• Set a good example by being tobacco or vape free.

• Report those who are selling vapes to minors or selling vapes containing nicotine by completing the onling reporting form or calling the Tobacco Information Line on 1800 357 412.

Support to help your child quit vaping

Book an appointment with their general practitioner or other health service for help to quit vaping.

Quitline counsellors are available to answer any questions about vapes on 13 7848 (13 QUIT).

Quitline is a telephone-based service, offering information and advice. Quitline counsellors provide tips and strategies, and help to plan your child’s quit attempts, based on their own needs and preferences. They can also help you think of ways to approach a conversation with your child or loved one about vaping.

The Aboriginal Quitline is also available on 13 7848. Run by Aboriginal sounsellors, the Aboriginal Quitline has counsellors who speak Arabic, Cantonese, Mandarin and Vietnamese, you can ask to speak to one of these counsellors.

For people who prefer to speak in a different language, Quitline uses the Telephone Interpreter Service (TIS).

The cancer Institute NSW iCanQuit provides information on quitting methods, links to support groups and top tips to help your child quit.

Watch a video on Vaping - Respect your Brain

For more information visit: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/tobacco/Pages/ vaping-factsheet-parents.aspx

Learn more about the Facts on Vaping

VAPES APPEAL TO YOUNG PEOPLE

The flavours (such as watermelon, grape, caramel, bubble-gum, vanilla and mint) and colourful packaging used for vapes make them appealing to young people. Many vapes also contain nicotine, which young people can become addicted to very quickly. Tobacco companies are continuously looking for new customers. Vapes are a new way to get young people addicted to nicotine, which is often difficult to quit.

HOW BIG IS THE PROBLEM?

The take-up of vaping by young people is increasing. Research shows that 1 in 5 young people have vaped and nearly 80% of them say it is easy to get a vape illegally at a shop or online.

In a recent survey, 64% of teachers reported being aware of the sale of vapes at school. The consequences of vaping are starting to emerge, and any uptake of vaping by young people is a concern.

RISKS TO PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH

NICOTINE IS HARMFUL FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Nicotine is a drug that is often in vapes and is highly addictive for young brains.

It can cause long-lasting negative effects on brain development.

Nicotine changes the way brain synapses are formed in young people.

The impacts can include impaired attention, learning, memory, and changes in mood.

Vapes may expose young people to chemicals and toxins at levels that have the potential to cause negative health effects. Vapes can leave a young person at increased risk of depression and anxiety. Vaping has also been linked to serious lung disease. Importantly, many of the long-term harms of vaping are still unknown. The liquid in vapes and the vapour is not water. Vapes can expose young people to:

• the same harmful chemicals found in cleaning products, nail polish remover, weed killer and bug spray.

• toxins such as formaldehyde and heavy metals.

• ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs.

• flavouring chemicals such as diacetyl (a chemical linked to serious lung disease).

Vapes have even been known to explode causing serious burns.

Do you know what they’re vaping? Get the evidence* and facts at health.nsw.gov.au/vaping

*All statements are backed by evidence which can be found on the website

SELLING VAPES TO YOUNG PEOPLE IS ILLEGAL

It is illegal to sell any vape to anyone under 18 years of age. Many young people purchase their vapes at school from friends and contacts using social media. It is illegal to sell nicotine vapes to anyone, unless they are prescribed by a doctor to someone over 18 years for smoking cessation purposes, and obtained with a prescription from a pharmacy.

There are a number of retailers who sell vapes to young people. This is a crime.

If you suspect someone is selling vapes to minors, you can report it to NSW Health via its website or by calling the Tobacco Information Line on 1800 357 412.

IS YOUR CHILD VAPING?

You may not know your child is vaping as vapes are small and resemble common items like highlighters, pens and USB drives. They are also not easy to smell.

Tell-tale signs that your child might be vaping include the symptoms of nicotine addiction such as your child feeling irritable or anxious. If your child is vaping, encourage them to stop and let them know that help is available and you are there for them. Stopping vaping can sometimes be hard and your child may need advice from a GP.

It also helps to set a good example by being tobacco and vape-free yourself.

MISLEADING AND DANGEROUS LABELLING

Vaping products are often not labelled or are incorrectly labelled.

The labels may state that vapes are nicotine free, but many of these products contain nicotine and a lot of other chemicals. They just don’t put it on the pack.

THE IMPORTANCE OF TALKING TO YOUR CHILD

If you suspect your child is vaping, take the time to talk to them about it and help them understand all of the risks.

As vaping is often common in schools, they may see it as a normal or safe thing to do, but that is not the case.

It is important to let your child know the risks of vaping. Try to start the conversation with your child in a relaxed easy-going way, perhaps taking the cue from around you, such as a note from school, a news story about it, or seeing people vaping on the street. And have your facts ready.

Do you know what they’re vaping? Get the evidence* and facts at health.nsw.gov.au/vaping

*All statements are backed by evidence which can be found on the website

ALCOHOL

Talking to your kids aged 15-17

For some parents, talking to your teenager about alcohol and setting rules and boundaries to keep them safe, can be daunting. Many parents feel that it’s their responsibility to create strategies and educate their children on when, where and how to drink. However some parents can struggle with how to provide this guidance.

It’s vital that parents keep the lines of communication open through the teen years. Make sure you have frank discussions about alcohol.

• Debunk some of the popular and unhelpful myths – e.g. not every parent provides their child with alcohol.

• Be prepared. Teenagers will raise the topic of alcohol if and when they’re ready to talk. Be ready to have the conversation and address their queries – that’s when they’re most open to hear your advice. Remember to plan what you want to say to them ahead of time.

• Be aware of your own role modelling when it comes to alcohol. Parents play a crucial role in shaping their children’s attitude and behaviours towards alcohol by being role models for their kids.

Tips for the talk

• Pick your time. The car can be a great place and time for constructive conversations – they’re a captive audience and there’s also the benefit that they don’t have to be facing you.

• Be consistent in your own behaviour. It’s easier for teens to model their behaviour on positive role models when it’s consistent.

• Draw the line between adult activities and child activities. Don’t be afraid to let your child know that some things aren’t appropriate for teens. If you believe that drinking alcohol is only something that adults do, make sure they hear your views on the matter.

• Challenge unfounded statements. If your child tells you that ‘everyone else drinks’, ask them to provide proof.

• Challenge their beliefs. Be aware that teenagers are likely to want to drink alcohol believing it will help them fit in. They need to know they can fit in without drinking.

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your GP or local health professional is available for you and your teen.

Binge drinking – putting things in perspective

Binge drinking is not just about the number of drinks you have – it’s about drinking with the specific intention of ‘getting drunk’.

this is the norm. There’s no denying that there are many young people who drink in risky ways, but there are many teenagers who are trying their best to keep themselves and their friends as safe as possible.

Remember: kids absorb your drinking.

Australian research shows that in 2011 around 63% of 17 year olds were not considered to be current drinkers, so this finding may challenge the belief that everybody is doing it. However of those 17 year olds who were considered to be current drinkers, around 19% drank in a risky way (more than 4 drinks) at least once in the week before they were surveyed.

That means there’s only a minority of kids who are binge drinking – but they’re still obvious and influential.

Some young people ‘preload’ to save money –quickly drinking large amounts of alcohol at home before heading out. Often they’re already intoxicated before they walk out the front door. By the time they get to where they’re going their judgement is clouded, causing them to continue drinking more than they intended to, so they don’t save money at all.

If your teen really believes getting drunk every weekend is normal, there could be other factors at play. Perhaps there are other influences in their lives (peers, older siblings, relatives) or problems that you’re unaware of. Don’t be afraid to ask the tough questions.

Talking to your kids aged 9-14

Kids are interested in what’s going on around them and seeing how their role models use alcohol is part of this. So it’s important to start talking to your kids about alcohol. And the right time to start is right now.

Research shows that parents have the greatest impact on shaping their children’s attitude to alcohol and future drinking behaviour. The role alcohol plays in your life will have an effect on them too. They might ask you about alcohol and what it’s like to drink it. Always answer honestly.

• Talk to your child about alcohol and the importance of drinking in moderation. Explain what happens to the body when you drink too young and too much.

• Set rules – the most important one being not to drink. Be sure to discuss this rule and agree on the consequences if not followed.

• Teach them to say ‘no’ and that not everyone drinks.

• Ask them how they feel about you drinking alcohol. What attitudes have they already formed about it? It will help you reflect on your own drinking behaviours and open up the lines of communication. Learn more about Alcohol Awareness

Binge drinking receives a great deal of media attention and can lead to shaping teens beliefs that

Don’t turn a foolie this Schoolies Schoolies. It’s a little word for a big week. It’s the holiday Year 12s all over Australia have been waiting for. But above all, it’s the chance to celebrate the end of school…finally. Hold up. Before you race out there, make sure you’re prepared. Not knowing the risks or what to do in an emergency can turn things ugly, fast.

Wherever you’re planning on spending schoolies, it’s always good to have a plan. Around alcohol people can change and the risks are high.

So here are a few tips for a fun, safe Schoolies Week:

• Let your parents know where you’re staying and who you’re going with.

• Keep in contact with your parents throughout the week – so they know you’re safe (they’re less likely to hassle you then too)

• Register as a school leaver with the local council (or schoolies organisation) in the area you’re visiting.

• Always have your phone on you (and charged!)

• Put your ‘in case of emergency number’ (ICE) in your phone.

• In an emergency call 000.

• Keep money aside for emergencies.

• Eat before you drink – preferably carbohydrate-rich food such as rice, bread, pasta, pizza etc. It’ll help slow the rate your body absorbs alcohol.

• Be extra cautious with drinks. Avoid drinks with high alcohol content and beware of drink spiking – don’t let your drink out of your sight.

• Pace your alcohol intake and hydrate with non-alcoholic drinks like water.

• Stay with friends and keep an eye out for one another.

• Don’t drink drive or get into a car with anyone who’s been drinking.

• Avoid risky situations such as swimming after drinking or getting into arguments and fights.

TOP 10 TIPS FOR PARENTS

Here are 10 ways to encourage your kids to talk about drugs with you.

Be an active part of their lives

Make sure you set aside time to spend with your kids. Take an interest in their interests and establish a routine for doing things with them. Spending time as a family is important, like eating together every day. When they go out, don’t be afraid to ask where they’re going or who they’ll be with.

Listen to your kids

Showing that you’re prepared and willing to listen will help your kids feel more comfortable about listening to you. During a conversation try not to interrupt them or react in a way that will stop whatever you’re discussing. Encourage them to feel comfortable about telling you their problems, and ask for their input on family decisions to show that you value their opinions.

Be a role model

When it comes to drugs there’s no such thing as ‘do as I say, not as I do’. If you take drugs yourself you can’t expect your kids to take your advice. It’s important not to underestimate the influence your behaviour has on them, particularly when it comes to alcohol or tobacco, or misuse of medications.

Be honest with them

It’s natural that you won’t necessarily know everything about drugs. So while it’s important to be informed, you shouldn’t pretend to have answers to every question. Be prepared to say ‘I don’t know but I’ll find out for you’. If you’re honest and clear about where you stand, your kids will find it easier to be honest with you.

5Pick your moment

Make sure you pick the right time to discuss drugs with your kids, by looking for natural opportunities as they arise. This might be when you’re all watching TV, or when they’re talking about someone at their school or in their friendship group.

6Be calm

When it comes to talking about drugs, being calm and rational is important, as well as not overreacting. Make sure not to ridicule or lecture, as this could make future discussions about drugs more difficult and make your kids more resistant to talking about them at all.

7Avoid conflict

It is difficult to solve a problem where there’s a conflict. Try to see their point of view while encouraging them to understand yours. If a confrontation does develop, stop the conversation and come back to it when you’re both calmer.

8Keep talking

Once you’ve had a discussion about drugs it’s important to have another. Start talking to your kids about drugs early, and be willing to talk to your kids about the issue at any time.

9Set clear boundaries

Generally kids expect and appreciate some ground rules. By actively involving them in setting the rules you can encourage them to take more responsibility for sticking to them. Once you’ve decided on these rules, enforce them, and let your kids know the consequences of breaking them. Discuss and agree to ways your kids will act if they find themselves in situations where drugs are present. For example, let them know that you’ll always collect them if they need you to, whatever the hour.

However, make it absolutely clear that you would rather they didn’t put themselves in a situation where they are likely to be exposed to drugs in the first place.

10Focus on positives

Be sure to reward your kids’ good behaviour and emphasise the things they do well. Encourage them to feel good about themselves and let them know that they deserve respect and should also respect themselves.

Approximately 150 children die and 68,000 are hospitalised every year due to unintentional injury in Australia

There is no higher priority than protecting our children and NSW Police Legacy continues their commitment to child safety. The greatest tool available to combat youth vulnerability is through knowledge. This handbook is for every family and includes everything we need as a community to protect our most valuable and vulnerable resource – our children.