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Safety Advice for Young People

The following information provides useful advice to help you keep young people safe whilst they are out and about.

On Foot

  • If you can, walk with a friend and avoid dodgy shortcuts.
  • Think about safe places on your route, for example: shops, friends' houses etc.
  • Walk down the middle of pavements facing the oncoming traffic.
  • Never accept a lift with a stranger or someone you don't know very well.
  • Avoid parked cars with their engines running and people sitting in them.
  • Have your keys ready so you can get into your home quickly.
  • If a car pulls up by you, turn and walk in the other direction - you can turn much faster than a car.

By Train or Bus

  • Try to choose an open carriage where there are several other passengers.
  • Pickpockets operate on trains and tubes so take extra care.
  • Travel downstairs on a bus if you are alone as you are rather cut off upstairs.
  • Take an aisle seat and sit as near to the driver as possible.
  • If someone sits by you and makes you feel uneasy then get up and move.
  • Try not to use isolated bus stops.

Mobiles

  • Teach UR Mum 2 TXT. So she doesn't have to keep ringing you.
  • Set your phone to vibrate or discreet, so you are not a target for phone thieves.
  • Don't talk or text when you are walking, so that you know what's going on around you.
  • Only give your number to mates you trust, this will help stop unwanted texts and calls.
  • Text or phone your parents/carers to let them know that you have arrived safely.
  • In an emergency you can call 999 even if you have no credit.
  • If your phone is stolen call 'Immobilise' on 08701 123123.
  • You can call 100 in a phone box to reverse the charges, so if your phone is out of action you can still call home.

Out with your mates

  • Let someone know where you're going and tell them if your plans change.
  • If you need help, approach a family group rather than a single adult.
  • Meet friends in a public place so you won't be waiting on your own.
  • Before you go out make sure you have got what you need for, example: phone charged and in credit, cash and keys.
  • Plan how you're going to get home.
  • Look out for each other, stay with your mates. Don't let anyone wander off.
  • iPods are great but they can stop you hearing someone approaching from behind.
  • When you're out and about try to look confident.
  • Bullies tend to choose victims who look an easy target, so walk tall, look confident and act like you know where you're going.
  • Walk away from groups that might provoke you.
  • Don't lose it; think about keeping yourself out of trouble.
  • Messing about with your mates can get out of control.
  • Enjoy yourselves but think about how your actions affect others.

Keep your stuff safe

  • Keep your phone separate from the rest of your stuff.
  • Keep your stuff out of sight. So you are less likely to be mugged.
  • Jackets and bags on the back of chairs make easy targets.
  • Be careful where you leave them.
  • Get your phones, ipods and expensive things marked.
  • Put your house number and postcode on them using a UV pen.
  • If you do get mugged don't fight back. It's safer for you to give them what they want.

Home alone

  • If possible, call someone to let them know that you have arrived home safely.
  • If someone knocks at the door, check who it is BEFORE you open the door.
  • Avoid telling anyone, that you are alone. If necessary say that your Mum/Dad is in the bath or asleep upstairs.
  • If someone calls (for example: the gas man), tell them it is not a suitable time and ask them to phone to arrange another day.
  • Make sure you know where to find the phone numbers of people to call in an emergency. 

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Last Updated on Thursday, 10 June 2010 17:37

L