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Raising Streetwise Kids

At the Upper Allen Police Department, we believe that an informed child is a safer child. As parents, we all want to protect our children, but it’s equally important to equip them with the confidence and common-sense skills they need to navigate the world safely. This guide offers practical advice to help your children become “streetwise” without losing their natural curiosity and trust.

The Basics: Building a Strong Foundation

Start with these fundamental safety steps:

  • Personal Information: Ensure your child knows their full name, address, and phone number. Practice with them how to dial 9-1-1 in an emergency.
  • Stranger Safety: Teach them never to accept rides, candy, or gifts from anyone they don’t know well.
  • Seeking Help: If your child ever gets lost, instruct them to find a trusted adult like a store clerk, security guard, or police officer.
  • Lead by Example: Show your children that safety is a priority by consistently locking doors and windows at home.
  • Listen to Their Fears: Encourage open communication. If your child expresses a fear or concern, take it seriously and talk it through with them.

Official Identification for Older Children

For children aged 10 and older, consider obtaining a PennDOT Photo ID Card. This official form of identification can be incredibly helpful if your child is ever reported missing. Remember to update these IDs periodically as your child grows.

Safe Habits at School and Play

Guidance for when they’re out and about:

  • Buddy System: Encourage your children to walk and play with friends whenever possible.
  • Safe Routes: Help them identify the safest paths to and from school, friends’ houses, and other common destinations, avoiding isolated or dangerous areas.
  • Conflict Resolution: Teach them to settle arguments with words, not with physical actions.
  • Report Suspicious Activity: Emphasize the importance of telling a trusted adult immediately if they see anything suspicious or uncomfortable.
  • School and Childcare Policies: Familiarize yourself with your child’s school policies regarding absent students, and always verify the qualifications and references of any daycare or after-school programs.

When Your Child is Home Alone

If your child is old enough to be home alone, establish clear rules and practices:

  • Emergency Contacts: Post a list of emergency phone numbers near the phone.
  • Check-in: Have your child call you immediately upon arriving home.
  • Visitor Rules: Set clear rules about who is allowed into the house and whether they should answer the door. Teach them not to tell callers that an adult isn’t home.
  • Locking Up: Ensure they know how to properly use all locks on doors and windows.
  • Emergency Plan: Work together to create and practice a fire escape plan and other emergency procedures.

Protecting Against Sexual Abuse: Fostering Trust and Openness

    This is a sensitive but critical conversation. Create an environment where your child feels safe to share anything with you:

  • Body Safety Rules: Teach your child that their body belongs to them, and no one has the right to touch them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable.
  • “No” and “Tell”: Empower them to say “NO!” loudly and clearly if someone makes them feel uncomfortable, and to tell a trusted adult immediately. Reassure them that it’s okay to refuse inappropriate requests, even from someone they know.
  • Stay Informed: Always know your child’s whereabouts. Be attentive to any changes in their behavior, sleep patterns, or physical well-being, as these can sometimes be signs of abuse.
  • Report Suspicions: If you ever suspect child abuse, do not hesitate to call ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313. Remember, if a child is a victim of a crime, it is never their fault.

Community Involvement: A Shared Responsibility

Child safety is a community effort:

  • Support After-School Programs: Work with schools and recreation centers to encourage and support safe, supervised after-school activities.
  • School Callback Programs: Advocate for or participate in programs that notify parents when a child is absent from school.
  • Community Safety Initiatives: Get involved in local programs like McGruff House or block parent initiatives, which offer safe havens for children in emergencies.