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Tuesday, June 3, 1997

Sheriff offers summer safety tips for children

"With school out, parents should take special steps to assure the safety of their children," says Caddo Parish Sheriff Don Hathaway. "You can make the summer a fun time for your children by making sure they follow some simple guidelines for their safety."

With increased time on their hands, it is especially important to know where your children are at all times. You should also caution your children about contact with strangers.

• Remind your children never to enter a stranger's car or house, never to accept money or gifts from strangers and never let a stranger touch them or join them in play.
• Children should play in groups, never alone. They should never play in vacant buildings or alleys. When heading to a public place, they should always go with a friend.
• Ask your children to tell you of any unusual actions of grown-ups they may encounter. Teach them that if they are ever bothered by a stranger in a car, they should get the license number of the car and a description, if possible. They should never go near a car to talk or give directions to anyone. Teach them to run away in the opposite direction and yell, "Stranger! stranger! I don't know you." Remember to report any incidents to the Sheriff's Office or police department.
• Know the background of baby-sitters or anyone who has charge of your children in your absence. As parents, you should know the character of the adults who become friendly with your children.
• Explain to your child that his or her body belongs only to them alone and that he or she has the right to say no to anyone who might try to touch them.
• Tell your child that some adults may try to hurt children and make them do things the child doesn't feel comfortable doing. Often these grownups call what they're doing a secret between themselves and the child. Explain that some adults may even threaten children by saying that their parents may be hurt or killed if the child ever shares the secret. Emphasize that an adult who does something like this is doing something that is wrong.

"Perhaps the most critical safety tip we can give parents is good communication between them and their children," Sheriff Hathaway concluded. "This is not only challenging to every parent but also can be difficult, especially for working parents and parents of adolescents. Talk to your children every day and take time to really listen and observe. Learn as many details as you can about your child's activities and feelings. Encourage them to share their concerns and problems with you."

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