The older children get – and the more freedom they demand and deserve, the more difficult it seems to keep them safe.

Here are some general safety rules to help you out.

• Always know where your child is. Know their friends, their activities and their daily schedule.
   
• Pay attention to any changes in your child’s behavior. If there’s a change, talk about it.
   
• Be alert to any teen or adult who’s paying unusual attention to your child, such as giving him or her expensive gifts.
   
• Teach your children to trust their feelings; assure them they have the right to say “no” to someone or something that seems wrong to them.
   
• Teach your children that no one should approach them or touch them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable. If someone does or tries to, tell them to tell an adult immediately.
   
• Instruct them to use the buddy system when going some place.
   
• Tell them never to get into a vehicle with someone unless you’ve given them permission.
   
• Let them know that if someone wants to take their picture, they should say “no” and tell a trusted adult.

Online Safety Tips for Children and Parents:

• Keep your identity private. Make sure you child knows not to give out his or her name, address, telephone number, birthday, school information or any other personal information.
   
• Never get together with someone you “meet” online. Make sure your child knows they can never be positive that people they “meet” online are really who they say they are. If they are unsure about someone online, they should discuss it with you first.
   
• Never respond to messages that are mean, hostile, angry or inappropriate. If a message makes your child feel uncomfortable in any way, let them know it’s not their fault. If they get such a message, let them know to show it to an adult so you can do something to stop it.
   
• Talk to your parents about the ground rules for going online. Talk about how long your child can be online and what activities they can participate in online. This doesn’t mean your child has to give up his or her privacy. It just means you have to communicate, and be safe.