Tips for Tots

Parents: These tips are for children who are too young to read. It is important that you not frighten your child, but with repeated lessons teach your child the following:

• Never get into a car with a stranger or someone you don't know well. Tell your parents if someone asks you to go with them.


• Always play with a friend.


• Do not accept anything including gifts, candy, food or toys from a stranger. Tell your parents if someone offers you these things.


• Know the location of safe houses--places children can go if they are frightened, lost or being bothered.


• Cry loudly for help and run if you are followed by a person or by someone in a car.


• Know your name, address and phone number and how and when to call 911. Don't give this information to a stranger.


• Know how to dial your telephone, including area code.


• Never open the door when home alone. Phone a trusted neighbour or 911 if someone tries to get into the house.


• Never let anyone touch you in a way that you do not like, especially in an area that is normally covered by a bathing suit. If someone tries to touch you there, tell your parent(s) or someone you trust at once.


• Never go anywhere without asking a parent or the person looking after you first.


• Have a secret code word; only go with someone who knows the code word (make it simple and practice often). Remember that the word is a secret not to be shared with anyone but your parents.


• Your parents will always love you, no matter what others might say, and will always want you to be safe.


• Play "what if" games with a group of your friends to understand what you need to remember. (Repeat often because young children forget quickly).

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