As parents, ensuring the safety of our children is a priority.

Discover 16 vital safety rules to equip your child with life-saving skills.

As parents, we strive to protect our children from every possible danger, yet it’s impossible to shield them from every situation. The best way to keep children safe is to equip them with the knowledge and tools to handle emergencies on their own. By teaching kids basic safety rules, we can empower them to make smart decisions and respond effectively when things go wrong.

In this blog, we’ll share 16 essential safety questions you should ask your child to prepare them for unexpected challenges. These scenarios range from encountering strangers to recognising fire hazards. Use this guide to initiate important discussions and ensure your child knows what to do in critical situations.

16 Vital Safety Rules for Children

1. What to Do if Someone Tries to Break into Your Home

If a child is home alone and senses an intruder, their first step should be to call their parents immediately. Parents can then alert neighbours and guide the child on what to do next. While calling emergency services is important, parents can provide immediate instructions to ensure safety.

2. Should You Accept Candy or Toys from Strangers?

It’s crucial to teach children never to accept food, toys, or any items from strangers. Explain that even a seemingly kind gesture could have harmful intentions. Make exceptions clear, such as taking items only from trusted neighbours or family friends.

3. What to Do if a Power Socket Starts Steaming

In case of a fire hazard, children should never attempt to extinguish the flames themselves. Instead, they must evacuate the house immediately, call the fire brigade once outside, and seek help from neighbours if needed.

4. Should You Help an Adult Stranger Asking for Help?

Children should understand that adults asking them for help is unusual. Instead of assisting, they should politely decline and walk away. If an adult truly needs help, they’ll likely seek it from another adult, not a child.

5. What to Do if Attacked by a Pack of Dogs

Staying calm is critical. Children should avoid sudden movements or loud noises, as these can provoke aggression. If carrying a bag, they can throw it aside to distract the dogs and slowly back away without turning their back on the animals.

6. Should You Go to a New Friend’s House if Invited?

Teach your child to be cautious, even with peers. They should avoid visiting someone’s house unless they’ve known the person for a while and have your permission. Using excuses like “I have homework” can help them decline politely.

7. What to Do if You Smell Gas at Home

If there’s a gas leak, children should evacuate the house immediately and call the fire brigade. Staying inside or attempting to fix the issue themselves is too risky.

8. Should You Enter an Elevator with Strangers?

It’s safer for children to wait for the next lift if strangers are present. They can say they’re waiting for their parents to arrive as a polite excuse.

9. What to Do if You Notice Someone Following You

If a child feels they’re being followed, they should head to a crowded, public space like a supermarket or café and call their parents. Being surrounded by others can deter potential threats.

10. Who Can You Let Into the House When You’re Home Alone?

Children should never open the door to anyone they don’t know, regardless of their appearance or claims. In case of doubt, they should call their parents for guidance.

11. What to Do if a Stranger Grabs You

In the event of an attempted abduction, children should fight back, scream, and attract attention. They can also throw objects like rocks at cars to trigger alarms and potentially scare the attacker away.

12. How to Stay Safe in a Crowd

Large crowds can be dangerous, especially for children. Teach them to move towards the edges of the crowd and avoid pushing against the flow. If they fall, instruct them to curl into a fetal position to protect their head and vital organs.

13. What to Do During a Thunderstorm

During a thunderstorm, children should seek shelter in a safe place, such as a shop or building. Warn them to avoid metal structures, pools, and tall trees. If caught in an open field, lying flat on the ground can minimise the risk of being struck by lightning.

14. How to Handle Online Threats

Children must feel comfortable reporting online threats to their parents. Reassure them that they’re safe and that you’ll handle the situation by contacting relevant authorities or helplines.

15. Should You Play on a Frozen River?

Explain the dangers of playing on frozen rivers or ponds, no matter how solid the ice appears. Encourage safe alternatives like visiting supervised ice rinks for skating or hockey.

16. Can You Take Medicine Without Adult Supervision? All medications should be out of reach of children. If they’re unwell, they should call a parent or a trusted adult instead of self-medicating. Stress that medicine can be dangerous if used incorrectly.