TEACH YOUR children to protect themselves from violence
Suggestions include:
Showing your children some safe roads to walk when travelling to and school.
Encourage them to walk in groups at all times. Tell them to walk in well-lit areas.
Tell your children to let you know if they see anything or anyone who 'doesn't seem right'.
Tell them that if you are not around, they should tell someone they trust, or the police.
Teach them 119.
Teach them what to do if anybody tries to hurt them.
Tell them not to talk to strangers and not to go anywhere with someone they don't know.
Teach them to ask parents for permission before they go places with anyone.
Teach children to resist
violence.
Encourage your child to stand up for peace.
Teach them to be kind and considerate.
Teach them how to walk away from a fight.
They must be calm and firm when they face others who are violent.
Teach your children that they are equal (no one is better than anyone else).
Help children to understand that they should not jeer or laugh at people who seem to be different.
Source: The booklet, 'Raise your Child To Resist Violence', is published by the Ministry of Health, 2-4 King Street, Kingston. It is adapted from a publication of the American Psychology Association .and the American Academy of Paediatrics. For more information, call 967-1100
