Safety Rules

Safety Rules
There are important rules to help protect children from harm. These are called safety rules, and following them will help you make the right decisions if you’re ever in a dangerous situation. The rules are as follows:
• Always get permission from your parents, teachers, or guardians before going anywhere with others.
• Avoid unfamiliar streets, buildings, parks, and other places. Don’t go anywhere alone or with friends without letting someone know first.
• Never agree to meet someone you met online or through your phone. They might not be who they say they are. When home alone, only open the door to family members. Letting others in can be dangerous for you and your family.
• Remember the rules for touching: only your parents or a trusted adult, like a doctor or teacher, should touch areas of your body covered by your underwear, and only for hygiene or medical reasons.
Follow the “7 Don’ts”:
1. Don’t talk to strangers or let them into your home.
2. Don’t go into elevators or building entrances with strangers.
3. Don’t get into a stranger’s car.
4. Don’t stay outside after school, especially when it’s getting dark.
5. Don’t share your phone number or address with a stranger.
6. Don’t meet up with anyone you met online or over the phone.
7. Don’t accept gifts from strangers.
The word “No” is powerful and can help you stay safe if you say it firmly and with confidence. For example, if a stranger asks you to go for a walk with them, simply say, “No!”
If someone you don’t know comes to pick you up from school and your parents haven’t told you about it, say, “No!” If a stranger asks you to help with directions or carry a bag, still say, “No!”
What to Do if an Adult Tries to Persuade You
Sometimes, adults might ignore your “No” and try to change your mind, saying things like, “I thought you were grown-up enough, but you still need permission?” In such cases, try to get away from them as soon as possible and tell your parents or another trusted adult about what happened.
How to Say “No”
If a stranger offers you a gift, here’s how to respond:
• Say, “No! I don’t know you! I’m going to tell my mom!”
• After saying “No!”, leave immediately.
• Tell a trusted adult what happened.
Remember! If you don’t want someone to touch you, you can:
• Say, “No, stop!” or “I don’t want you to do this.”
• Leave immediately after saying “No.”
• Make sure to tell an adult what happened.