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What a great time in your life! There is so much to learn, so many people
to meet, too much to do — but you must always keep “Safety” in mind. These
tips are for your personal safety and because your parents love you.
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Thinking about running away from home?
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Think twice before running away from home. If living at home is
impossible, speak to your teacher, school counsellor, social worker,
relative, minister or doctor about it. NOTHING is impossible! There are
good people who will help you. o If you run away, you will soon be at
the mercy of street people who may try to get you involved in drugs,
pornography and prostitution.
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Talk it over with a friend who cares. If you think you have no friends,
you will find a crisis centre in your community that will reach out to
you.
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If you want someone to talk to, call the Kids Help Line
(1-800-668-6868).
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If after speaking with someone, you decide you still cannot stay at
home, make sure you have a safe place to go before you leave.
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Be careful of offers of friendship from strangers or people you do not
know well. You may be lonely and/or unhappy and could be tricked by
signs of affection from strangers.
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Job offers should be handled through legitimate channels, such as the
student placement offices. Do not accept job offers that require you to
go to offbeat, lonely areas. Beware of job offers that seem to offer too
much pay. Check all references.
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If someone offers to take your photograph to make you famous, think
twice! These people may be trying to take advantage of you and you
should tell someone about this right away.
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Do not get into cars with strangers or people you do not know well for
any reason. Do not approach a car near enough to be grabbed. Do not
hitchhike! You could be setting yourself up for trouble.
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Always travel in groups or with a friend. Remember — there is safety in
numbers!
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Dark secluded areas at night are potentially dangerous — Do not go
there.
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Taking dares to do foolish things, such as going into a desolate or
rough area alone is not cool! It is dangerous.
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Tell your parents or people you trust where you are going to be, and let
them know when things change.
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Do not baby-sit in a home for people you do not know — it could be
dangerous.
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If anyone tries to touch or fondle you in a way that you do not like,
say “No!” Remember to tell someone you trust immediately. Even in a date
situation you have the right to say “No”.
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Be aware of people ‘hanging around’ your school, home or hangouts. Get a
good look at them in case anything inappropriate happens and the police
need to be told.
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Do not accept offers of drink, cigarettes and/or drugs. Always open your
own pop, or make your own drink, and never leave it unattended.
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Listen to your gut feeling ... that little voice inside. It is usually
right. Learn to trust it.
Sometimes parents are overprotective because they love you and want to
protect you. Rules may need to be negotiated. They will worry less if you
keep them up on your life. Let them know where you are going and with
whom. |