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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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