Street Proofing Your Children

The heart-wrenching tragedy that has unfolded in Oxford County since April 8th has shaken parents across Canada, and prompted everyone who cares about the safety and well-being of children to ask what we can do to help reduce the likelihood of another child falling prey to such a heinous crime.

The Halton Regional Police Service would like to remind parents about some ways to street proof their children.

Telling your child to “never talk to strangers” is an excellent first step in keeping them safe from predators. Here are some other tips:

Playing:

• Know who your child plays with and where
• Keep a list of your child’s friends’ addresses and telephone numbers
• Teach your child to play safe, and play together
• Tell your child to never play in remote areas of parks or take shortcuts through the woods
• Encourage your child to use a buddy system instead of walking alone
• Tell your child not to loiter on the way to and from school

Supervision:

• Do not leave your child in unsupervised areas such as cars, parks, public washrooms, arenas and plazas
• Accompany your child to the bus stop and meet them when they return from school
• Ensure your child always notifies you as to where they are going and who they will be with

Strangers:
A stranger is anyone your child has not been introduced to by you.

• Teach your child not to talk to strangers, to never go anywhere with people they don’t know, and to never take anything from them, such as candy or rides
• Coach your child about ‘safe strangers’ such as police officers, firefighters and teachers in case they need help

Getting Help:

• Teach your child where to go and how to get help
• Accompany your child on their regularly traveled routes. Be sure to point out the locations of payphones.
• Show your child how to use 9-1-1 for emergencies

Practice:

• Develop a “what if” game to get your child thinking about how they would respond if they felt afraid

Their Body:
Your child’s body is private.

• Tell your child that no one may touch the area that his or her bathing suit covers
• If someone tries to touch them, they should say “NO” and advise you immediately

Uncomfortable Feelings:

• Teach your child to talk to you immediately if someone says or does something that makes them feel strange or uncomfortable
• Listen when your child is trying to tell you about something that bothers them and provide them with support and understanding

Behavioural Changes:

• Watch for changes in your child’s behaviour that could indicate something is wrong. Examples include hesitation to go with certain people, loss of appetite, withdrawal, depression and aggression.

Planning:

• Make arrangements with your child in advance that if you or their regular caregiver is unable to pick them up, a specific person they already knows will attend instead

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