Children/Teenagers

Information from SAPS Against Crime Together (ACT) booklet

Compiled by Annalise Kempen, Servamus Safety and Security Magazine

Crime Prevention Tips for Children & Teenagers

With the beginning of each school year, many parents fear for their children's safety, especially given the number of violent attacks that were experienced on our school grounds during 2007. And a schoolchild being robbed of their cell phone or bicycle is a common occurrence in South Africa today. Although it is impossible for parents to be their children's guardian angels 24x7, they can provide them with tips to keep them safe.

One of the best ways for parents or caretakers of children, who are responsible for the safety of children to protect them, is to keep an open line of communication between them. Parents and children must communicate with one another openly and frequently; parents must know their children's friends and what's happening in and around school.

TEACH CHILDREN ...

  • Basic safety rules and to follow the rules and instructions well
  • To trust the police and that they are their friends
  • To only approach uniformed police officials and/or marked police vehicles (if not sure, they should ask the police officials to show them an appointment certificate as a form of identification)
  • To never approach a vehicle unless they are absolutely sure they know the occupants
  • To never accept a lift from strangers
  • To always let their parents know where they are
  • Not to talk to adults they do not know
  • To never accept sweets, money or ice-cream from a stranger
  • To avoid giving their home telephone number to strangers
  • To walk to or from school and bus stops in a group
  • To stay close to their parents especially in public swimming pools, beaches or busy shopping centres
  • Not to wonder off, to avoid lonely places, and not to take short cuts through alleys or deserted areas
  • Not to hitchhike

Parents must be observant to be able to identify any abnormal behaviour from their children. When you go to crowded public places such as shopping malls, beaches, etc., ensure that your child has your cell phone or telephone number with him/her in case he/she gets lost.

HOME ALONE ...

For children to be less vulnerable to dangerous situations they must:

  • Not be left alone at home or elsewhere where they can become susceptible to abuse, alcohol and drugs
  • Be taught how to give directions to your home in case of emergency
  • Be taught never to let a caller at the door or phone know that they are alone. Teach them to say: "Mom or Dad can't come to the phone/door right now."
  • Be taught to carry a house key with them in a safe place. Don't leave it under a carpet, a plant holder or on a door lintel outside the house
  • Be taught to keep the doors and windows locked
  • Know their parents' or police's numbers
  • Know their home street address
  • Know that it's OK to say "NO!" when they are faced with uncomfortable situations

IF THREATENED OR IN CASE OF EMERGENCY TEACH CHILDREN TO RESPOND IN A PROPER WAY

They should:

  • Run away
  • Yell loudly
  • Say exactly what is happening

Examples:

  • Help, this is not my Dad or Mom
  • Help, I am being kidnapped
  • Help, call the police

TEENAGERS: BE SMART, BE SAFE

The Constitution of South Africa, which is the supreme law of our country, guarantees the rights of all children under the age of 18 years in South Africa, including children from other countries.

Children have the right to be cared for and to feel safe. It is also important for children to follow basic safety rules so that they are less vulnerable to dangerous situations

  • Always CHECK FIRST with your parents or the person in charge before you go anywhere or get into a car, even with someone you know.
  • Always CHECK FIRST with your parents or a trusted adult before you accept gifts and favours from anyone, especially from strangers
  • Always TAKE A FRIEND with you when you go to places, especially unknown places
  • KNOW your address, telephone number and your parents' work telephone numbers and their cell phone numbers
  • SAY "NO!" to anyone who approaches you with "wonderful" job offers or who makes advances towards you that mek you feel uncomfortable
  • KNOW that you can TELL your parents or a trusted adult if you feel scared, uncomfortable or confused
  • It's OK to SAY "NO!" - and know that there will always be someone who can help

WHEN YOU FEEL LIKE RUNNING AWAY FROM HOME ...

There is a solution to every problem no matter how hopeless the situation may look. So, if you are thinking about running away, DON'T! Running away from home can be a frightening experience for you, your parents, friends and loved ones.

If you are away from home, you may fall victim to:

  • Alcohol abuse
  • Drug abuse
  • Crime
  • Secual exploitation, pornorgaphy and/or prostitution
  • Rape
  • Child abuse
  • Assault
  • Kidnapping or abduction

Instead of running away from home, do the following:

  • Keep an open line of communication and trust between you and your parents, friends, loved ones and teachers
  • Try to resolve the problems that may prompt you to run away
  • If you are unable to deal with family or personal problems effectively, seek the assistance of a trained professional
  • If you are abused at home, tell a teacher, friend or call Childline at 0800-055-555

WHEN YOU GO OUT ON A DATE ...

  • Do not allow anyone to touch you in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable - be firm and clear and say "NO!"
  • Do not leave a party or social event with someone you do not know or have met - say "NO!"
  • Ask friends for help if someone ignores you when you say "NO!"
  • Remember: most rape victims know the rapist. You have the right to say "NO!"

BREAK THE SILENCE ON SEXUAL OFFENCES ...

Sexual offences involve sex without consent, unwanted sexual touching, or being forced to engage in humiliating sexual activity. No-one has the right to force you into sexual activity, no matter what your relationship with this person is. This means no0one can force you to have sex, or touch you in a sexual way without your consent, or force you to perform sexual activity you find unpleasant or humuliating. You have the right to say "NO!"

 

Report criminal activity to:

Drug Dependence: http://www.sancanational.org/za

South African Police Service: http://www.saps.org.za

Crime line: http://www.crimeline.co.za

SMS: 32211

 

REMEMBER: YOU ARE STRONG. SMART AND HAVE THE RIGHT TO BE SAFE 






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