How to keep your kids safe for the school year

Carmen Gonzalez Caldwell:

Well, we survived the first week of school, so for this week, let's review as we do every year how parents can help keep kids safe.

• Never place your child's name on any piece of clothing that is visible to anyone. You do not want to make them a target for a stranger to call out to by name.
• Make sure your child knows his or her full name, phone number, parents' full names, address and a work phone number. It is not helpful when officers find children who do not know their full names or addresses.
• Throughout the school year, talk to your child about drugs, strangers and any weapon they might see or hear about, a bully or any related concerns. Let the child know that such information should be reported to the teacher and to you immediately.
• If your child is going into a new school or going to school for the first time, ask her whether there is anything that frightens or makes him/her uncomfortable. Share that information with the teacher or school police; officers are well-trained in safety issues.

Posted by Jim Zellmer at August 28, 2010 2:32 AM
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