San Jose Police Department, CA
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Safety Tips For Children
Transcript: San Jose is one of the country's safest cities, but crime, and accidents still occur here, just like everywhere else. Oftentimes we feel helpless to prevent such incidents, especially when a child is involved. But even though we can't always be there to watch over our children, there are some tips we can follow to help keep them safe.
First, it's important to talk to children about stranger safety. Kids need to remember that while a person they don't know might seem friendly, there's still a stranger. Here are a few other safety tips to share with your child. If a stranger approaches you, step away or run toward a public place such as a store, school, or fire station. If the stranger attempts to talk to you, yell “NO” as loud as you can. Immediately tell a teacher, parent, police officer, or other trusted adult what happened.
Also remember to use the buddy system. That means walking with someone you know or trust whenever possible. And stay away from areas like empty fields, creeks, and even parks unless an adult is with you.
Parents should remind their children about pedestrian safety, including crossing only at street corners or crosswalks, and only after looking in all directions. And always remember to tell them to call 911 in an emergency. Children also face dangers online, including contact by sexual predators and scams. What can parents do to help protect their children? First, educate yourself about the Internet. Even if you don't have a computer at home, your child can access the Internet at school, at a friend's house, or the library.
Be sure to set clear simple house rules on computer use, then post them on or near the monitor. The rule should include what hours the computer can be used and which sites can be accessed and which ones are off limits.
Place your computer in a central open location, maybe the living room or family room. Then have the monitor facing out so you can supervise Internet use. Use your browser's history to look at the websites that your children visit, and consider using software or online services that filter out offensive material you can check with your Internet service provider to see if they offer any blocking features. Create a special folder of bookmarks or favorites for your child on the computer’s browser. That way they don't have to search to find their favorite sites.
Teach your children to NEVER give out personal information. This includes names of family members, addresses, phone numbers, e-mail addresses, passwords or credit card numbers, and encourage them to tell you if anyone requests such personal information from them. Teach your children that talking to a stranger on the Internet is no different than talking to a stranger on the street.
Talk to your children about chat rooms. Online acquaintances are strangers, and your child should never arrange to meet them in the real world, unless you give permission and know who they are. Better yet, if your children are young, steer them away from chat rooms. Older children should only participate in chat rooms you approve of.
If your child starts receiving phone calls from strangers or places calls to people you don't know, get involved immediately.Tell your children that if someone harasses them online, says something inappropriate, or makes them feel uncomfortable in any way, they should tell you, their teacher, or a trusted adult, and contact the police immediately if your child receives child pornography, is sexually solicited or received sexually explicit images.If you have questions about child safety or would like to arrange a presentation on this or another topic, please call the San Jose Police Department Crime Prevention Unit at 277-4133.
Stranger Safety
Child safety today goes beyond physical spaces. It includes online environments, mobile devices, and social interactions.
Dealing with strangers:
- If a stranger approaches either on foot or in a vehicle, take a giant step backwards.
- If they attempt to talk to you or ask for help for any reason, yell "NO" as loud as you can.
- Run away as fast as you can, while yelling "NO".
- Tell someone (a teacher, a parent or police officer or any other trusted adult) about what happened immediately.
- Sometimes, harm to children comes from people they know or trust, not strangers.
- It’s okay to say NO to any adult if something feels wrong
- Safe vs. unsafe secrets (no adult should ask a child to keep secrets from parents/guardians)
Digital & Online Safety
There may be a time when a child will be home alone, even if for a very short period.
The following rules should be learned and followed:
Being online is a way of life. Here are a few tips to stay safe in the digital world:
- Strangers are everywhere. Do not share passwords, names, addresses, or where you go to school
- Strangers pretend to be children and will frequent popular children's apps, websites, and online games
- Never send photos to other strangers online
- Grooming is a way to build trust with children. They will pretend to be your friend and have common interests with you, flatter, pretend to understand, and isolate you from family and other friends.
- Be aware of red flags, especially if they want you to keep it a secret from others.
- Another red flag is to move the conversation to other apps or sites
- Turn off location sharing with strangers/apps
- Don’t post real-time locations publicly
- Set family rules for:
- Check-ins via text or app
- Emergency contacts and SOS features
- If someone makes you feel uncomfortable, report it to a trusted adult, call 9-1-1, or report it on cybertipline.org
- For more information, visit svicac.org
Safety in the Home
There may be a time when a child will be home alone, even if for a very short period.
The following rules should be learned and followed:
- Never tell anyone or post online that you are home alone
- Do not open the door for:
- Deliveries
- Service workers
- Strangers
- Use video doorbells or call a parent/guardian before responding
- Never touch anything in the medicine cabinet or any cleaning products anywhere in the house.
- Never take medicine, including vitamins, without approval of your parents/guardians.
- Do not handle matches or appliances including the stove and microwave.
Weapon Safety
- Treat a weapon like a stranger.
- Take a step back from it.
- Do not touch it.
- Tell an adult about the weapon.
- If you are at someone else's home, tell an adult. If there is no adult present, leave and tell your parents.
Everyday Safety
- Use the buddy system whenever possible
- Stay in well-lit, populated areas
- Avoid distractions (phones/headphones) while walking
- If approached:
- Move away quickly
- Make noise and seek help
Transportation & Rideshare Safety
- Children should never accept rides without parents/guardians’ approval
- For teens using rideshare that are linked to family’s accounts:
- Verify license plate + driver’s name
- Share trip status with a parent/guardian
- Sit in the back seat
Bicycle Safety
- Before you get on that bicycle, make sure your helmet is on and fastened properly.
- State law requires that anyone under 18 must wear a helmet.
- Small children should ride their bicycle on the sidewalk because it is safer for their age group than on the street.
- Remember to watch for pedestrians and cars backing out of driveways. It is your responsibility to avoid them with your bicycle.
- Use proper safety equipment.
E-Bike & Electric Scooter Safety
An electric bicycle or “E-bike” is defined within CVC section 312.5, in part, as a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (750W).
The State of California currently recognizes the following E-bike Classifications:
Class 1 (Pedal Assist): A low-speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle that is equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour. There is no age restriction for a Class 1 E-bikes.
Class 2 (Self-Propelled): A low-speed throttle-assisted electric bicycle that is equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour. There is no age restriction for a Class 2 E-bikes.
Class 3 (Pedal Assist): A speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour and equipped with a speedometer. Currently, all riders must be at least 16 years old to operate, but no license is required. All Class 3 E-Bike riders under the age of 17 a must wear a helmet.
E-bikes and electric scooters are much faster than regular bicycles. Their higher speeds and quiet operation increase the risk of serious injuries. Always remember to:
- Follow the rules of the road.
- Ride with traffic and obey signals
- Ride in bike lanes or safe areas when possible
- Avoid high-speed roads
Skateboard/Rollerblade Safety
- Make sure you are wearing safety equipment: helmet, wrist guards, gloves, elbow and knee pads.
- Do not attempt "stunts" or "tricks" on public streets or sidewalks.