As your child gets a bit older, they become increasingly independent and may spend time away from you at school, sports or other activities. It is important to have conversations about staying safe when you are not there.

Top Tips

• Set boundaries about places they may go, people they may see, and things they may do.
• Reinforce the importance of a buddy system – staying with a group or friend is always better than being alone.
• It’s always okay to say ‘NO’ if they think what they’re being asked to do is or feels wrong.
• Make sure they know – It is always okay to ask you, a teacher or a trusted adult for help if they have any problems or if someone is making them feel unsafe or upset.
• Make sure they know how to contact you, or another carer if there is a problem.
• Let them know that you would never send a stranger to pick them up without letting them or the school, coach, teacher know.