Making Halloween safer for kids: ten tips for parents

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) has outlined ten things that parents can do to ensure that their children have a fun, but above all safe, Halloween night this year.

1. CHOOSE bright, flame-retardant costumes or add reflective tape to costumes and candy bags so children are easily seen in the dark. In addition, carry a glow stick or flashlight.
2. PLAN a trick-or-treating route in familiar neighbourhoods with well-lit streets. Avoid unfamiliar neighbourhoods, streets that are isolated, or homes that are poorly lit inside or outside.
3. NEVER send young children out alone. They should always be accompanied by a parent or another trusted adult. Older children should always travel in groups.
4. ALWAYS walk younger children to the door to receive treats and don’t let children enter a home unless you are with them.
5. BE SURE children do not approach any vehicle, occupied or not, unless you are with them.
6. DISCUSS basic pedestrian safety rules that children should use when walking to and from houses.
7. CONSIDER organising a home or community party as an alternative to “trick-or-treating”.
8. MAKE SURE children know their home phone number and address in case you get separated. Teach children how to call 911 (or equivalent emergency number) in an emergency.
9. TEACH children to say “NO!” or “this is not my mother/father” in a loud voice if someone tries to get them to go somewhere, accept anything other than a treat, or leave with them. And teach them that they should make every effort to get away by kicking, screaming and resisting.
10. REMIND children to remain alert and report suspicious incidents to parents and/or law enforcement.

“Child safety is important year round, but Halloween is an especially important time for parents and children to pay extra attention to their surroundings and not let their guard down,” said Nancy McBride, National Safety Director of NCMEC. “It is important that parents exercise a few basic safety precautions to help ensure that Halloween is both fun and safe.”

“Stranger Danger in the 21st Century” - Internet dos and don’ts for parents and children

With five in six parents relying on verbal agreements with children on their use of the Internet, there’s a real need to educate both adults and children in the ways staying safer online.

Here’s a set of “Dos” for parents, and “Don’ts” for children, written by Sue Atkins of Positive Parents.

Do’s for Parents

Do: Talk to your child about how they use the internet. Encourage them to show you how they access the net and to talk to you about any concerns they may have regarding online chatting. Show an interest rather than point an accusatory finger of distrust at them. Your child will feel reassured and safe if you show a balance of respecting their way of communicating but keeping a watchful eye on what’s happening.

Do: Keep the computer in a public place in your home - if a predator sees a bustling living room or kitchen in the background on the webcam rather than just a quiet child’s bedroom, he will probably be less likely to embark on attempting to groom your child.

Do: Keep up to date with technology. Ask your child to teach you new things - they’ll enjoy spending time with you, and you’ll enjoy being with them too, but also know that you are keeping them safe in the process.

Do: Remind your child that any people they only know through the internet (and not in the real world) may not be who they say they are.

Do: Check the privacy settings covering their profiles online.

Do: Make it clear to your child that you will occasionally check what websites they are using and will also sometimes ask questions to make sure they know the people they are contacting.

Do: Remind your child that anything they post can be visible to the world.

Don’ts for Children

Don’t: post any personal information, e.g. e-mail address or mobile number on profiles.

Don’t: post anything online you don’t want the world to see.

Don’t: continue online conversations that make you feel uncomfortable or suspicious about whom you are talking to. Report these to the Child Protection Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) website via their ‘report abuse’ facility and talk to your parents or another adult whom you trust to help you.

Don’t: agree to meet anyone in person whom you only know via the internet.

Don’t: open any attachments or links if you don’t know (in the real world) the person who has sent them.

Don’t: use your real name in chat rooms - pick a nickname just to use online.

Don’t: assume that the people you are chatting to online are who they claim to be.

Don’t: keep any anxieties, worries or little niggles to yourself about approaches to you, or conversations you have had, online. Talk to your parents and/or an adult you trust. If not, you can call Childline.

Don’t: ‘accept’ strangers who ask to be ‘friends’ on your online profile - say NO or just ignore them. Don’t be tempted to say YES.

Don’t: agree if someone suggests keeping your chats a secret - tell your parents or a trusted adult.

Resources

NCH’s advice on internet safety
Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre
Think U Know: part of the CEOP site. Has pages specific to certain age groups to help them understand how to use the internet safely. Can also report abuse here.
Childline– - telephone 0800 1111