Home security is something that all parents worry about. Here are some easy tips for teaching your kids ways to stay safe.
This is a guest post by Best Home Security.
These days it seems like everyone is busy. Moms, dads, kids, even pets have places to go (think doggy day care). But you should never be too busy to teach your children the importance of safety. Whether they’re at home with their parents or out with friends, there are numerous learning opportunities that could present themselves that you could prepare your children for ahead of time.
These are a few of the most common scenarios and lessons most parents end up talking to their children about at some point or another. From toddlers to teens, there’s something for every parent to instill in their children about security, safety and how to handle certain situations without getting hurt.
Stranger danger
Coming into contact with people you don’t know can happen in person and online (read more about this in the Internet Safety section below). If your child meets a stranger in a public place and feels uncomfortable, they should look for the nearest trusted adult, such as a security or police officer for help. If no one in uniform is around, finding an adult in a business or store close by is the next best option.
In the worst case scenario, if a stranger tries to grab your child or force them into a car, make sure they know to scream as loud as they can and run away. Even though some parents worry “well what if the person has a weapon?“, for the most part a predator will be caught off guard and too scared to try and abduct the child if they are causing a scene and drawing unwanted attention to the situation.
Encountering a stranger at home is quite another thing, though. If your child is at home alone and someone knocks on the door or rings the doorbell, the best course of action is to pretend that they aren’t home. If a parent or adult is home, then they should be the one to open the door, but only after checking to see who it is (perhaps through a peephole or window where they can get a good view of who it is).
For added protection, a home security system like with Best Home Security is also a good option. Home security systems can help keep your children safe while you’re not at home with them and some of the newest technology even allows you to check in on them through mobile devices, so they’ll always be just a click away. Handheld devices like wireless alarm key fobs can also allow someone to call for help just by pushing a button.
Internet Safety
Today’s youth spend an enormous amount of time on the Internet. While the World Wide Web certainly has a lot to offer to kids, it’s important that parents carefully monitor their child’s online activity. While Facebook has an age limit of 13 and older, it’s very easy to lie about your age and create an account.
Other social media sites, such as MySpace and Bebo, also have age requirements that are easily evaded. Unsuspecting children can easily expose themselves to strangers or cybercriminals by posting photos and information via social media, so it’s important you remain vigilant in keeping your kids safe from the evil-doers of the Internet.
Internet bullying is another hot topic to discuss with your child if they are at an age where they’re online a lot. This type of bullying and bullying in real life are never okay and it’s important that your child recognizes if this type of behavior is happening to them or someone else and to tell an adult – immediately.
Whether you’re teaching your children lessons your parents taught you (and their parents taught them) or getting up-to-date on the new generation’s habits and how to adapt safely to them, there’s always a need for guidance from parents. Talk with your children. Teach them when and how to say ‘no’. It can help teach them how to stand up for themselves and even keep them alive.
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