Member Login
Children and Young Adults
March 19, 2024
Home
›
Crime Prevention
›
›
Is your child ready to go hangout without you?

Is your child ready to go hangout without you?

Preparing for solo outings teaches children the importance of responsibility, accountability, and self-reliance, essential qualities for navigating the world as they grow older.

Preparing for solo outings teaches children the importance of responsibility, accountability, and self-reliance, essential qualities for navigating the world as they grow older.

Here are 6 simple tips to help you prepare your kids for safe socialising:

1. Know their Friends

  • Encourage your child to introduce you to their friends.
  • Ask questions about their friends' families and backgrounds.
  • If possible, meet their friends' parents to establish a connection and exchange contact information.

2. Set Boundaries:

  • Discuss rules and expectations before your child goes out with friends.
  • Emphasize the importance of honesty and communication.
  • Set curfew times and check-in points to stay informed about their whereabouts.

3. Discuss Safety Measures:

  • Teach your child about personal safety, including stranger danger and what to do in uncomfortable situations.
  • Encourage them to trust their instincts and speak up if something doesn't feel right.
  • Discuss the importance of staying in well-lit areas and avoiding isolated places.

Download our free activity sheet 

4. Plan Transportation:

  • Ensure your child has a safe mode of transportation to and from their hangout spot.
  • Discuss alternatives like walking in groups or using rideshare services with trusted drivers.
  • Remind them never to accept rides from strangers. 

5. Stay Informed:

  • Keep lines of communication open with your child.
  • Encourage them to share their plans and activities with you.
  • Set a safe word with your child that is only known between you and any other trusted adults. 
  • Be available to pick them up if they feel unsafe or uncomfortable.

6. Emergency Preparedness:

  • Teach your child how to handle emergencies, including whom to call and what information to provide such as knowing the Triple Zero (000) 
  • Provide them with a list of emergency contacts, including family members and trusted adults.
  • Make sure that your child has a Medical ID on them that states any contigency plans if they have any illnesses or allergies. 

Visit our https://www.nhw4kidsvic.com.au/ to help prepare your child with an interactive learning journey

Get Police Assistance

For all emergencies and immediate Police assistance
Call: 000
To report non-urgent crimes or events 24 hours a day
Call: 131 444
To report information about a crime contact Crime Stoppers on
1800 333 000

Suggested reading just for you

Discover more Children and Young Adults articles.

5 ways to be safe while you are at university

Whether you're a parent, friend, or starting university yourself, here are tips to stay safe on campus.
Read More

Is your child ready to travel to school without you?

Before your child starts to walk or ride to school by themselves, it’s important to build their safety skills and confidence, and get to know your local area and its potential dangers, together.
Read More

Is your child ready to be home alone?

When deciding if your child is ready to stay home alone, it’s important to ask yourself and them some key questions, test out possible scenarios and ensure your home is as safe and secure as possible.
Read More

Keep up to date with our tips, news and events

Subscribe to our newsletter
Connect With Us

Neighbourhood Watch Victoria acknowledges the 38 mobs, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we operate, live, and gather as employees and volunteers. We recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community and pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging.

At Neighbourhood Watch, we believe everyone has the right to feel safe and welcome. We are committed to ensuring diversity, inclusion and equity are embedded throughout our organisation – in the work we do, the services we deliver and among our staff, volunteers, and the communities we work with.

lockarrow-up