Fear of Crime and Staying Safe
“When my daughter’s friend had her phone stolen, she was terrified it would happen to her, too. So I showed her how to stay safe and to act confidently when she’s out. Now she’s not so worried - and nor am I.”
Warning signs
Watch out for signs that your teenager is at risk of being a victim of crime, for example if their mobile phone and wallet and other valuable possessions are easily seen, they wear lots of jewellery, or if they walk around by themselves, especially at night.
Action
Make sure your teenager knows the main ways to say safe when they’re out and about. It’s better that they feel confident every day than a nervous wreck. Plus, always make sure you know where your child is.
What to say
Talk to your child calmly about the risks and dangers when they’re out and about. If you appear very anxious about being a victim of crime, chances are they will too.
Prevention
Teenagers are more likely to be mugged than their parents, so it’s vital that they know how to stay safe.
The facts
- Young people today carry around valuable items that are attractive to criminals
- Rather than stopping your child going out, explain how to stay safe
- Tell your child to keep valuable things out of sight
- Encourage your child to go round with a group of friends
- Acting confidently will mean your teenager is less likely to be attacked
Staying safe
Your child may know someone their age who’s been a victim of crime. Maybe they’ve had their phone stolen or been made to hand over money - this is called being mugged. Perhaps they’ve been attacked because of their religion or skin colour, or been happy-slapped.
Today’s young people carry around more valuable items than ever, for example mobile phones and MP3 players. And there are so many crime stories on TV and in the newspapers that it’s easy to think that every time you step outside you’ll be attacked or mugged.
It might be tempting to protect your child by stopping them going out anywhere, but this won’t help them - it will only make them over-anxious about crime. It’s better that they know how to stay safe. That way, they’ll feel more confident and you won’t have to worry as much.
There's lots of advice you can give your child to make sure they know how stay safe:
- Keep your mobile phone, MP3 player and wallet or purse out of sight, as most things are stolen when they’re being used or can be seen
- Strap your bag across your chest and put one hand on the strap
- Carry a personal attack alarm to use if you feel in danger
- Try to be with a friend or group of friends all the time, especially if you’re going somewhere new
- Act confidently, even if you don’t feel it - look alert and walk proudly and quickly. If you look confident, you’re less likely to be a victim of crime
- Stick to footpaths and well-lit areas. Never take a short cut through a dark alleyway just to get home earlier
- If you think someone’s following you, cross to the other side of the road and keep walking. If you still think they’re following you, head for a well-lit area where there are lots of people. Always ask for help if you need it
- If you are attacked, scream and shout but hand over what they’re asked for. It’s better to run off and be safe than fight and end up hurt
And here’s how they can keep their mobile phone safe:
- Don't show it off to groups of people
- Try not to use it where there are lots of other people
- Type *#06# into it to get your IMEI number, and write it down. If your phone gets stolen you can stop anyone else making calls on it
- Have a PIN number that only you know
- Keep the phone locked with the PIN number unless you’re using it
Contacts
ChildLine 0800 1111 www.childline.org.uk
Weblinks
