When talking to kids about safety, it’s important to reassure them—not scare them. That means communicating in a positive way that builds confidence and self-esteem. To do so, use our Conversation Starters and follow these guidelines:
Be Prepared
Spend some time to review safety information before you communicate it to your children. That way, you’ll be better able to talk about the topic in a calm, reassuring manner.
Consider your child’s age
Gear discussions to your child’s level, taking into account their age and understanding. For instance, a typical four-year-old won’t sit through long explanations or retain a lot of information, so simple visuals and activities can be useful in capturing their interest.
Seize opportunities
Instead of waiting for “the right time” to talk to kids, make the most of everyday moments. A relaxed family meal provides the perfect opportunity to get kids to tune into safety messages, especially when favorite foods are on the menu. A car ride to school offers another great chance to talk to kids about safety.
Be open
Encourage your children to talk openly about their questions and worries. Let them know you care about what happens to them by setting clear rules, but try not to lecture or criticize.
Have fun
Child safety is a serious subject, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have an enjoyable time talking about it with your kids. Sing songs, tell stories, play games and interact with your kids in a way that makes them feel safe and loved. You’ll also help reinforce the message if you’re consistent in your approach.
for educators
As a teacher, you can play an invaluable role in promoting child safety. Simply incorporate safety lessons into your class routine. For guidelines, consider the following:
Be prepared
Spend some time reviewing child safety issues before you talk about them with your students. That way, you’ll be better able to handle questions and concerns.
Consider the age of your students
Gear discussions to your students’ developmental level, taking into account their age, abilities and understanding. Also, make sure you communicate messages in a way that’s positive and reassuring.
Involve parents and guardians
Ask parents and guardians for permission to talk with the class about safety information, especially if you plan to discuss topics like inappropriate online content. You might also want to invite parents and guardians to participate in the discussion.
Get outside support
To reinforce lessons about child safety issues, call on law-enforcement officers and other experts from your community to provide assistance. Ask them to offer suggestions for tailoring your program, or invite them to speak to one of your classes.
Have fun
Child safety is a serious subject, but that doesn’t mean your students can’t have a fun time while they learn. Visual aids and activities can engage them and make lessons more likely to be remembered.
