Parenting 

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Child safety

Media coverage certainly makes today's world feel like a dangerous place for children but is it really worse than before? Police Inspector Tim Bonnett talked to iVillage parents about their child safety concerns. Here's what was said:

Angel: I have two boys aged 15 and 12. I think my biggest fear for them is when they get older and start to go out socialising. I often find myself worrying that in the future they will end up getting into fights. I know it will be a few years until they go out drinking, but should I start to discuss this with them now?

I feel that they are responsible, especially the older son. He doesn't give us cause for concern at all at the moment, he has a couple of good friends but he doesn't hang around in gangs. So really I'm asking what advice can you give me about keeping them safe when they get older?

Inspector Tim Bonnet: This is a valid concern. The key things are to make sure that your children understand which places are and are not safe. A good tip is to look at local papers and see where problems occur and advise your sons to avoid them.

If they have good sensible friendship groups they will probably do that anyway as very few kids look for trouble. I have two sons aged 17 and 15 and they understand that there are plenty of places they can go safely but others that are best avoided. Always ensure that they tell you truthfully where they are going and, if they change their plans, that they let you know the change. And, if they hook up with a friend who worries you, talk them about that and advise them that this person may not be a good friend.

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