Though most kids pass through childhood without ever experiencing physical harm, some are frightened or hurt by crime. Adults can make a difference in a child’s life by listening to what they are saying about other people or places. Adults must also teach children how to protect themselves in threatening situations. Here are some things you can do to protect your children.

Rehearse their name, address and phone number (including the area code).
Teach them how to make an emergency call from a home phone and pay phone.
Help them become aware of dangers around them such as vacant houses, wooded areas, bad lighting, busy streets with no sidewalks, etc.
Show them safe places in the neighborhood where they could go for help in an emergency.
Make sure they know to go to a store clerk or security guard - but never outside- if they get lost in a store.
Tell them that no one should ask to touch them anywhere their bathing suit covers, and that they should not be asked to touch anyone else in those areas.
Remind them that nobody should ask them to keep special secrets from you.
Have them walk confidently and stay alert to what is going on in the area around her.
Ask them to watch out for the smaller children and to report anyone how lurks around parks, bathrooms, schools and etc.
Teach them how to write down a tag number.
Make sure they can reach you by phone if they must be home alone.
Post the numbers to emergency services, your work, a trusted neighbor, and a family member, near the telephone.
Have them check in with you when they get home and before they go to a friend’s house.
Agree on rules for having friends over when no adult is present.
Remind them to never open the door to anyone including a repairman, a salesman, or an unexpected guest.
Teach them to never tell anyone they are home alone either through the door or on the phone. Kids should always say the their parents are busy.

Tips to help keep your kids safe:
• Keep and regularly update a complete written description of your child. Take a color photograph of your child every six months. Arrange to have your child fingerprinted and keep the fingerprint card in a safe place.
• Know where your child is at all times. Know their friends and be familiar with their daily activities.
• Know what your child is wearing whenever they leave the house. Don't allow them to wear clothing that has their name or other personal information visible to others. A child is less likely to fear someone who knows his/her name.
• Notice if an adult or teenager is paying an unusual amount of attention to your children or gives them inappropriate or expensive gifts.
• Teach your children to trust their feelings. Let them know it's okay to say NO to things they feel are wrong. Never belittle any fear or concern your child has, real or imaginary.
• Tell your child that anything that makes him or her uncomfortable or suspicious should be reported immediately to you and to school officials.
• Teach your children that the police are their friends and they can rely on them if they are in trouble.
• Check out the routes your child takes when walking or biking to school — whatever your child’s age.
• Check out school bus or regular bus stop areas if your child uses them. Look for hazardous short cuts that might tempt kids or take them out of public view.
• Agree on safe walking and biking areas.
• Make sure your child travels with others to and from school; kids in groups are generally safer.