As early mornings, packed lunches and homework become part of the weekday routine for children in Simcoe County next week, South Simcoe Police Service has a few reminders and safety tips for parents and children alike.
Kids as young as three years old should know their full names, address and a phone number where a parent, guardian or trusted adult can be reached.
This may seem like an obvious tip, but Special Const. Elisabeth Aschwanden says South Simcoe police has interacted with children who did not know their surname.
Additionally, when children know their parents' and trusted family members' "real" names, it can greatly assist police officers and emergency personnel to reunite them should they become separated from those who care for them.
Teaching children how and when to call 911 is also necessary year-round, police say.
Outside of the home, family members are encouraged to teach children to cross safely at intersections and crosswalks — while following instructions from a crossing guard if there is one on-site — and to be mindful of their surroundings, which includes being aware of vehicles, joggers and cyclists.
People riding bicycles are also reminded that wearing a helmet and having a bell or a horn on your bike to alert pedestrians and others of their approach is the law.
Bicycle reflectors — a white reflector on the front of the bike and a red reflector on the back — are important for safe cycling, police say.
Aschwanden said teaching young children to hold hands when crossing the street is important, as is having young children walk in front of trusted adults rather than allowing young children to trail behind them where they cannot be properly supervised.
Parents and family members are encouraged to point out where friends live so children know where the safe houses are in their community in case they need assistance if walking to and from school, for example.
Safety tips extend to the virtual realm, too. All parents know that youth spend a lot of time on their phones, so Aschwanden advised that parents become friends with their kids online.
If parents or guardians create their own social media accounts their kids use, the opportunity to discuss fun topics and important matters, such as dangerous social media trends and safety concerns, could naturally arise.
Police urge caregivers to ask questions, show genuine interest and remember that technology changes quickly, so checking your child's social media accounts is "never a futile effort."
When asked about posting photos online, Aschwanden said, “a picture is worth a thousand words.”
Always be mindful of the information included in the background of any photo — such as addresses, street names or landmarks — in addition to the focal point.
For example, is your child wearing a sweater that includes the name of their school or school’s sports team that will be shared publicly?
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