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Keeping Your Children Safe

There are many things you, as parents, can do to help keep your children safe

  1. Communicate – Ask your children how they are feeling, what is going on in school and who their friends are. It is okay to ask to meet their friends’ parents.
     
  2. Get Involved - Be aware of what they are doing and show that you are interested in activities they are involved with.
     
  3. Enroll them in sports and/other activities that they may be interested in.

    There are many free or low cost recreational activities through your local recreation centres. You can visit your municipalities’ website to learn more about these opportunities.

Bullying

Bullying is when someone intentionally does or says something to hurt another person. This behavior is often repetitive and deliberate.

Bullying can be: physical (hitting, shoving), verbal (insults,teasing), social (exclusion, rumours) or cyber(online,social media).

General Tips to Prevent Bullying

  • Spend time with your children to help foster a trusting relationship. If your children trust you and know they have your support, it will be that much easier for them to talkto you when they have a problem.
     
  • Be a good role model and teach your children about respecting others regardless of their cultural background,gender or ability.
     
  • Educate your children on the different formsof bullying and the consequences prior toitactuallyhappening.Encouragethemtospeakup iftheyseesomeonebeing bullied.
     
  • Keep in contact with otherparentsand schoolstaffto stayinformedon what is going onforyourchild.
     
  • Encourage your son or daughter to join groups or clubsthatcan boostconfidenceandself- esteemandofferopportunitiesto strengthen peer relationshipsandformfriendships.
     

Internet Safety

The internet is used by more and more people and has become a part of our daily lives. It is easily accessible through computers within the home, school, library and cell phones. As parents, you can play a role in making sure your children use the internet in a safe manner. Some concerns can include: inappropriate material, bullying, harassment or frauds/scams.

Tips

  • Monitor your children while they are using the internet – place computers in busy family areas like the kitchen
     
  • Do not give out your personal information such as full name, date of birth, social insurance number, etc. If you are filling out a form for a specific service, ensure it is done through putting the website address into the URL address bar. Do not provide personal information through links or emails.
     
  • Be careful on what you post online – whether they are messages or pictures. Once something is on the internet, it is hard to get rid of and can affect you when you apply for a job.

More tips and information available at your local detachment or online at bc.rcmp.ca > Safety Tips > Children/Youth (English and French)

Gangs

A gang is an organized group that commits a crime in order to gain money, power and or recognition. Youth can join gangs regardless of their ethnic origin or financial situation.

Signs that someone you know could be getting involved include:

  • Staying out late.
  • Unexplained injuries.
  • Spend less time with family and usual friends.
  • Secretive about new friends/ sudden change in friends.
  • Money or items that they usually do not have or can afford.
  • Preference for certain colour of clothing (gang colours).
  • Graffiti on personal items such as notebooks or bedroom walls.
  • Tattoos or makings of gang symbols on hands or body.

Drugs

As a parent, it is important to educate your children on the harmful effects drug can have. The best way to do this is to educate yourself first. Education and awareness is key to prevention. Local police often partner with schools to provide children and youth with drug awareness information.

Did you know...

  • Alcohol and tobacco are the most commonly used substances by youth.
     
  • Prescription drugs such a pain killers may also be used to get high and have serious effects, especially if the medication was not subscribed to the person who was taking it.
     
  • Common household items such as glues, cleaning fluids and sprays can be used and have serious health effects.
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