Safety Tips
Safety Guidelines for Teenagers
- Running away from home is never an answer. If you're having serious problems at home, talk to a teacher or guidance counsellor, clergyman, your doctor or local crisis centre. There may be a teen help line in your community. Get help. Make smart choices. Life on the streets will not make your life better. Teenagers who end up on the streets are in danger of getting involved in drugs, pornography, violence, crime and prostitution.
- Tell your parents where you're going, who you're with and when you'll be home. Call them if your plans change.
- Don't accept offers of gifts, drugs, alcohol or cigarettes from people you don't know.
- Be wary of offers of friendship from strangers or people you don't know well. Trust your instincts. If you're lonely or unhappy, you're especially at risk of falling victim to strangers' advances.
- Don't accept job offers that require you to go to isolated, lonely or dark places. Check all references and discuss opportunities with your parents.
- Strangers may offer to take your photograph to make you famous. Don't trust them - say no and tell your parents or an adult you trust.
- Take public transit instead of hitchhiking and never get into a stranger's car.
- Travel with a friend or in a group – there's safety in numbers.
- Keep to well-lit, public places – never go into dark, isolated places, especially at night, and never do reckless things on a dare.
- Only babysit in the homes of families you know.
- You have the right to be safe, and to say NO – even to adults – especially if someone tries to touch you in a way that makes you uncomfortable. Leave – and tell an adult you trust immediately.
- A date doesn't give someone the right to touch you or be physically demanding. Your body belongs to you. You have the right to say NO and to leave.
- Keep alert. Be aware of people hanging around your school, home or places you go. Be observant – your description might help Police.
- Trust your instincts.
