June 15th, 2023

Some tips I have developed for use when teaching parents/guardians AND children to work together when developing a child self-protection plan. 

Taking steps together as children and parents can help ensure the child has good self-protection practices.
Here are some suggestions:
1. Establish open and regular communication between children and parents. Encourage children to share their experiences, concerns, and potential safety issues.
2. Education: Teach children about personal safety, including stranger danger, safe online practices, and recognising potential risks in different situations. Discuss appropriate boundaries and how to say "no" when necessary.
3. Role-play: Engage in role-playing scenarios where children can practise responding to situations, such as a stranger approaching or a peer pressuring them. This helps build their confidence and decision-making skills.
4. Establish Safety Rules: Develop age-appropriate safety rules and guidelines. These can include rules for using the internet, going out with friends, and staying safe during outdoor activities.
5. Teach Assertiveness Skills: Encourage children to assert themselves and express their needs and boundaries clearly. Teach them to trust their instincts and how to say "stop" or "no" firmly when they feel uncomfortable.
6. Practise Self-Awareness: Help children develop an awareness of their surroundings. Teach them to pay attention to their environment, notice potential hazards, and identify safe places or people they can seek help from.
7. Establish a Trusted Network: Teach children to identify trusted adults they can turn to in an emergency or when they feel unsafe. This can include parents, teachers, relatives, or family friends.
8. Online Safety: Educate children about safe internet practices, including protecting personal information, being cautious about sharing images or personal details, and recognising and reporting inappropriate content or online bullying.
9. Stranger Danger Myth: Remind students that, in most cases, they will KNOW who is attacking them.
10. Supervision and Monitoring: Maintain appropriate supervision and monitoring based on the child's age and maturity level. Stay involved in their activities and know their online and offline friends.
11. Stay Informed: Stay updated on current safety issues and trends affecting children. Discuss with other parents and professionals to exchange information and best practices.
12. Develop Key Safety Words/Phrases: Have set phrases or keywords students can use to let their parents know they are in danger. These can be very helpful when they have to call their parents but are with peers who may now have become a danger. 
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Remember, the key is to create a supportive and open environment where children feel comfortable discussing their concerns and seeking guidance from their parents.