As you are all aware, the back to school season has opened toady, for the 3rd term. For many, it is exciting and busy times of the year. To help ensure a safe and easy transition, we have provided back – to – school safety tips for consideration. We wish all students a safe and successful 3rd term.
For parents
– Walk your child to school and pick up the safety route
– Teach your child to walk to school with a friend or a group of children.
– Always use cross walks and obey the traffic lights when crossing the road.
– Do not teach your child to take short cuts to school.
– Teach your child to watch his or her surroundings while walking to school or in public. If they are followed, they should go to a safe place (an open business, a friends home, a police or LC1).
– Teach children to always yell for help as loud as possible “STOP IT” LEAVE ME ALONE. Instruct them to start kicking biting and hitting the person hurting them. The child should run away, as soon as possible and continue yelling.
– Tell your child to never get close a car with a stranger in it or talk to strangers on the street. They should never tell the stranger their name or address unless he or she needs help from them to call their parent, police or other responsible person.
– Remind children not to accept anything from a stranger.
– Do not dress children with clothing where their names can be seen.
– Encourage children to stay in well-lit areas after dark.
– Be sure your chid knows what to do if asked by a car stranger. Instruct them to say “I do not know and keep walking”.
– Do not allow children to wear expensive jewellery or clothing to school.
– Do not allow your child to take more money than needed to school. They should put their money in their pocket not school bag.
– Practice how to handle scary situations. Teach them how to trust their instincts and yell or scream for help.
– Teach your child not to play alone , close to restrooms or playgrounds, they must leave with other children.
– Parents are advised to start the day a little early to avoid rushing. Remember use hand-held devices while driving like text driving is punishable.
Phone etiquette
– If some one calls and says bad things over the phone, hang up. Do not talk to them.
– Never tell strangers, you are alone at home.
– Always let your parents talk to service persons over the phone. Do not give them any information.
– Always tell your parents when someone calls.
Child gangs
As parents, we need to know warnings sings that may indicate child gang membership. Children join gangs when they have low self-esteem, lack of identity, need to feel important, seek companionship, looking for security, lack positive alternative activities, parental involvement and succumb to peer pressure.
It’s important to notice changes in style of clothing worn or particular colour, with drawing from family, declining grades, poor school attendance, unexplained money or new possessions, tattoos that are gang affiliated, use of nick names,.
All parents are advised to establish non-negotiable rules for the family, regarding use of alcohol, drugs, clear guidelines and limits for children’s behaviour and their activities. Parents are encouraged to spend time with their children, do things with them and attend functions in which they are involved. Respect your children’s feelings and attitudes and help them develop a strong sense of self-esteem.
Also get to know your children’s friends and acquaintances, become involved in your child’s school, meet with counsellors and teachers. It is never too late to establish positive alternatives.
School administrators
We continue to encourage safe learning and working environments for both students and teachers. All schools may consider
– A positive school climate that promotes respect for diversity, personal and social communication skills and anger management
– Discipline and consequences for school violations
– Parents education, outreach and involvement programs to reinforce school rules.
– Emergency preparedness including staff responsibilities; evacuation plans, plans for communicating with school board members, parents, media and follow-up counselling.
– Dress codes
– Avoidance and self-defence training
– Mentoring
– Parent – student contacts
– Gang prevention programs
– Student safety forms
– Metal detector, video surveillance, banning of mobile phones,
– Searches of lockers and suitcases.
– Student Ids and closed campuses
– Prohibition of alcohol and drugs
SCP Enanga Fred
Police Spokesperson
18th Sept. 2023
