Keeping your child safe on the street

How to keep your child safe on the street

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Allowing your kids to be alone outside is an important part of their development, but also a big cause of worry for parents.

Follow our tips and read more about street safety for your children...

Street safety

Make sure your child knows his full name, address and telephone number.
If you or your children see another child in distress, ask what's wrong. Get help from other adults if necessary.
Build your child's self-esteem with lots of love and praise. Bullies and dangerous adults often pick out less confident kids.
Make sure they know that they never have to do anything they don't like with an adult or older child.
Buy your child a personal alarm for extra safety.
Tell them to stick to routes they know, not short cuts.
Encourage them to avoid walking home alone if they can.
If they pass someone who looks threatening, tell them to look straight ahead and walk confidently.

Kidscape, the charity which encourages the protection of children, advises parents to discuss safety without scaring children. 'Make a game of it when you're shopping,' says a spokesperson. 'Say, "Now what would you do if someone grabbed your mobile?" But say it lightly.'

- Next: The facts about safety on the street