Child safety

Badly ironed girl: Is there a way of getting the stranger-danger message across to children without terrifying them? How do you strike a balance between warning them of the dangers without making them worry every time they go out?

Also, when there is a lot of media coverage of a missing or abducted child do you have any suggestions on the best way to talk to your children about this?

Inspector Tim Bonnett: The best way to discuss this is to agree on certain boundaries and discuss the reasons for them. The key rules are:

1. Don't go out alone, go with friends
2. Tell me where you are going and if you change your plans, always let me know.
3. Don't talk to anyone who is not known to you except a police officer or other official person.

The events of last summer shocked us all. They are very rare and your child will probably be safe in your neighbourhood. Show your child the safe places to play and the safe ways to get there, avoiding dark alleys, unlit paths etc. Going out with friends is more fun than going alone as well as safer. You want to know where your child is because you love them and care about them. It is not easy but it is essential that you alert not alarm your child.

Everyone_say_cheese: Do you think that parents are teaching their children enough about personal safety? A lot of parents want to say things to their children, like not talking to strangers without frightening them. But, I feel that children should be told of the dangers in a more direct manner.

Inspector Tim Bonnett: It is important to alert your child to danger, not alarm them. You should not be too explicit - 'Bad people can try to hurt you' is enough. As they get older, you might want to tell both boys and girls that they need to beware of any touching that makes them feel uncomfortable and to tell you about it.

The danger does come from strangers but can also from people close to them - even people they trust. They need to recognise when they do not feel safe and react appropriately by leaving the situation. The key safety tip is to avoid being alone in a public place whenever possible. It is more fun with friends and definitely safer.