10 Safety Rules Every Child Should Know Before School Starts
- Trust Your “Uh-Oh” Feeling
Teach kids that if something feels wrong, they should leave immediately and tell a trusted adult. - The Difference Between “Stranger Danger” and “Tricky People”
Explain that most children are approached by someone who appears friendly. Teach them to recognize unsafe behaviors instead of judging people by appearance. - Never Keep Safety Secrets
Safe adults never ask children to keep secrets from their parents. - Know Your Safe Adults
Help children identify trusted adults at school, in the neighborhood, and during activities. - What to Do If Someone Tries to Grab You
Teach children to:- Yell loudly: “This is NOT my parent!”
- Pull away.
- Run toward other adults.
- Never worry about being “rude” when staying safe.
- Practice Your Home Address and Parents’ Phone Numbers
Memorizing this information can be invaluable in an emergency. - Parking Lot Safety
- Hold hands.
- Stay beside the car.
- Never chase a ball or toy.
- Internet Safety Counts Too
Remind children:- Never share their location.
- Never meet online friends.
- Tell a parent if someone makes them uncomfortable.
- What to Do If You Get Lost
Look for:- Employees with name tags
- Police officers
- Security personnel
- Another parent with children
- Confidence Is a Safety Skill
Walk with confidence.
Make eye contact when appropriate.
Speak loudly.
Know it’s okay to say “NO.
The best self-defense skill a child can have isn’t a punch or a kick—it’s awareness, confidence, and knowing what to do before something bad happens. Practicing these safety skills at home can help your child respond quickly and confidently if they’re ever faced with an uncomfortable or dangerous situation.