According to a UNICEF report on developing countries, every year, 2 million children under the age of 15 experience accidents in and around the home. This is why I believe we must equip our children with basic knowledge on different safety topics. However, we must also ensure the content on each topic is age appropriate.
How can you do this?
Every week, during what I famously call a “family safety meeting”, introduce one safety topic. This “meeting” can happen during a regular bonding time that happens between parents and children. The atmosphere of fun and relaxation is a great time to teach about these life-saving topics without sounding too formal.
What topics should you cover?
1) Child Sexual Abuse
This is important because your child can be abused by adults and even other children.
2) Bullying/Cyberbullying
This keeps showing up everywhere. Teach them what to do before and when they encounter/experience this.
3) Fire safety
We have lost children to fire because they were not sure on how to act in a smoke-filled building.
4) Slips, Trips and Falls
Falls are so common and often taken for granted. Teach the basic tips to avoid it. As little as paying more attention and reducing distraction goes a long way.
5) Online Safety
With the rise in online threats and use of online methods for education and entertainment, children should be informed.
6) Substance Abuse
This is an epidemic among a section of our young people. Teach them how this can show up, how to avoid peer pressure and how to stay safe.
7) Preventing abduction
Don’t take this for granted. Empower them with simple tips that can shield them from perpetrators.
8) Road safety
We still have children taking risks on the roads. Due to their age, they may not be able to accurately gauge the speed at which a vehicle can get to them. Teach them to avoid risky behaviour
9) First aid
The age of the child determines what you can teach here. Don’t say, “God forbid”, anything can happen anywhere and any time.
10) Electrical safety
This deserves separate mention because many adults display unsafe behaviour around electrical sources. Children model what they see, so you must teach and ACT right.
Is this an exhaustive list?
No. In the coming weeks, I’d expound on these topics and add more.
Isn’t this too much for children?
Technically, no. Our children should be in a safe world but when we cannot vouch for certain things, it’s best to equip them before something bad happens. Giving it to them in small bits over a period of time will not be overwhelming.
It’s better to have the knowledge and not need it than need it and not have it.
Will you be an ambassador for child safety and share this with your network?
#TheSafetyChic
Intentionally grooming a safety conscious generation
