Keep them safe on the streets

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It's not much fun being a teenager nowadays. They want their freedom, but you're probably terrified of letting go. So tell them:

to keep mobile phones and other valuables well out of sight. Don't flash them around. Keep phone ringers turned off to avoid attracting attention
to travel with a friend whenever possible
to stay alert, and keep their personal stereo turned off, so they can hear what's going on around them
if someone tries to take something from them, they shouldn't try to fight, especially if they're threatened with a knife. Just hand any valuables over and run away. Their life is far more important than the cost of a mobile phone.

avoid getting into rows with other groups of teenagers when they're out with their mates. Never mind they may lose face, better to be safe than sorry
if your child thinks someone is following them, they should cross the road or go to a place with lots of people around, like a bus stop or shop
stick to busy, well-lit roads, and avoid short cuts through alleyways
think about carrying an alarm or whistle that they can wear around their neck or on a key chain to ward off suspicious strangers
keep keys in their pocket so they're near at hand or wont be lost if their bag gets stolen
key ICE numbers ( In Case of Emergency) into their phones. If something does happen emergency services will know who to contact

By Julia Shaw

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Barbara, about 1 year

I worry about my son because he has Aspergers Syndrome (a mild form of autism). He is now 14 and has virtually no sense of danger. I have been told by his teachers that they have seen him re-enacting his favourite films and TV programmes while he is walking home from school. It only takes 20 minutes for him to get home but I am worried about who could target him without him realising.

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