7SAFER
T ips To K e e p K i d s by Steve Gamel
A
s parents, we want nothing more than to keep our kids safe and healthy. But these days, it feels like our eyes and ears are on the lookout for too many threats than we can keep track of, whether it be online predators, safety concerns at school,
the authority figures they put their trust into, and even who they are hanging out with when we aren’t around. Those concerns are overwhelming because it’s a lot to keep track of, and we didn’t have to worry about the same concerns growing
up. The biggest piece of advice our parents gave us was Stranger Danger, which may have worked like a charm 30 years ago but sadly falls way short in today’s world.
We’re not going to lie; keeping our kids safer takes hard work and diligence. But here are 7 tips to get you started.
MONITOR SOCIAL MEDIA AND WHO
at the dinner table. Go to baseball or
THEY ARE TEXTING
cheerleading practice, volunteer at school
Nothing is off limits when it comes to
in Watchdog programs, the PTA, etc.,
REALIZE THAT STRANGER DANGER
your child’s privacy and safety online. Social
ISN’T GOOD ENOUGH ANYMORE
attend other school functions, or follow up
media, and the Internet in general, can be
with teachers and babysitters. Predators
Your children must realize danger
a dangerous place, and your child needs to
can come in many forms. While they
be aware of that. Parents should set house
should be mindful of strangers, not
rules and have access to any passwords their
all strangers are bad people. In fact,
child has for online accounts or cell phones.
many predators these days are people
You should also consider having a list of sites
they know and would normally feel
your child visits regularly. Limit your child’s
comfortable with. To keep them safe,
time online and what sites they are allowed
teach them what is and is not safe
to visit, and install content blockers on all
behavior. If something doesn’t feel right,
PCs. Maintain an open line
they should trust their gut.
OF COMMUNICATION
KEEP THEM EDUCATED Not only should your children know
Your child needs should feel like they can talk to their parents about anything,
their name, your contact information,
even the most sensitive of subjects,
important phone numbers, addresses,
without fear of getting in trouble or not
etc., but they should be educated on
being taken seriously. Talk openly and
the law, what is acceptable behavior
often, and consider using role play to go
versus what is over the line, how to
over various scenarios they could face.
protect their privacy online, how to be
GET INVOLVED
more aware of their surroundings, and
You should always be aware of what
can’t attack if parents are involved. EDUCATE YOURSELF There are plenty of resources online to help parents become more educated on the dangers their children will likely experience on a daily basis and how to spot predators. Knowing what questions you should ask and how to anticipate potential dangers will go a long way in protecting your child. TEACH THEM TO TRAVEL IN GROUPS Whether they are walking home from school, going to the mall, or even to a friend’s house, your children should always travel with at least one or two other friends. If they are stuck in a position where they must walk alone, ensure they have a cell phone and that they are talking
yes … what sex is and how to properly
is going on in your child’s life, beyond
or staying in contact with you until they
understand their bodies.
just asking questions about their day
reach where they are supposed to be. Winter 2020 • Argyle Insights •
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