Children and Young Adults
March 19, 2024
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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

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