Kids Safety

Hi! We at Safe Jungle want to keep kids safe! To be safe means to feel good and not be scared. We do things like standing up to bullies without being mean, listening to our bodies (as they are clever at spotting danger), and thinking about things we can do to make the areas where we live safer.

 

Personal Safety

  • Do you ever feel unsafe?
  • Do you know when your body is trying to tell you that you feel unsafe?
  • Do you know how to stand up for yourself without being mean?
  • Do you know how to make safe choices?

There is a lot you can do to look after yourself. In this section of the website you can learn how to spot when you are in danger; these are called your early warning signs. You can also learn more about being assertive; this is when you stand up for yourself without being mean.

 

School Safety

  • Do you and your friends feel happy and safe in the school playground?
  • Do you want to help other children feel safe at school?
  • Do you have concerns about moving up to secondary school?
  • Do you feel your journey on the school bus could me more enjoyable for everyone?

School can be a scary place for some people. We recommend having a Playground Buddy, someone who can help you during school playtimes to sort out problems and make sure you are not lonely.

One of the things many of us worry about when moving up is traveling on the school bus. You can find out more about what other young people have done to make their journeys safer and happy.

Playground Safety

Community Safety

  • When you are out and about do you know how to keep yourself safe?
  • Do know any good safe places in your community?
  • Is there anything in your community that is affecting your safety?
  • Do you want to have a voice and make a difference?

It is important to know what you can do to keep yourself safe while you are out and about.

Online Safety

Cyberbullying is when someone uses technology, like the internet or a mobile phone, to deliberately hurt, humiliate, harass, intimidate or threaten someone else. It is different from bullying at school or in the community because it can happen at any time of the day or night and it may feel like you can’t get away from it. This may leave you feeling scared and unsafe at home.

Staying Safe Online

1) Don’t post any personal information online – like your address, email address or mobile number.

2) Think carefully before posting pictures or videos of yourself. Once you’ve put a picture of yourself online most people can see it and may be able to download it, it’s not just yours anymore.

3) Keep your privacy settings as high as possible.

4) Never give out your passwords.

5) Don’t befriend people you don’t know.

6) Don’t meet up with people you’ve met online. Speak to your parent or carer about people suggesting you do.

7) Remember that not everyone online is who they say they are.

8) Think carefully about what you say before you post something online.

9) Respect other people’s views, even if you don’t agree with someone else’s views doesn’t mean you need to be rude.

10) If you see something online that makes you feel uncomfortable, unsafe or worried: leave the website, turn off your computer if you want to and tell a trusted adult immediately.

Mobile phone safety

1) Remember if you are being bullied it isn’t your fault and there is nothing so awful that you can’t speak to someone about it. Talk to a trusted adult at home or at school.

2) Don’t reply to any nasty messages you receive.

3) Don’t reply to a text from someone you don’t know.

4) Keep the messages you have been sent so you can show them to a trusted adult and make a note of the time and date of the messages or calls you receive.

5) Don’t answer calls from withheld numbers or numbers you don’t recognise, let it go to voicemail.

6) Block numbers from people who are sending you nasty messages.

7) If you are bullied repeatedly can change your number.

8) Don’t give your mobile number to someone you don’t know.

9) Don’t send pictures to someone you don’t know.

10) If the problem is serious you can report it to the police, cyber mentors, or childline.

Tips if you’re being bullied online

1) Tell an adult you trust if you are being cyberbullied.

2) Don’t respond or retaliate to bullying messages – it could make things worse.

3) Block users who send you nasty messages.

4) Save abusive emails or messages (or texts) you receive.

5) Make a note of dates and times you receive bullying messages, as well as details you have of the user’s ID and the url.

6) Don’t pass on any cyberbullying videos or messages – this is cyberbullying.

7) If you are bullied repeatedly change your user ID, or profile, and use a name that doesn’t give any information away about you.

WHAT YOU AS A YOUNG CHILD CAN DO

(rules for younger children)
I KNOW my name, address, telephone number, and my parents’ names.I always CHECK FIRST with my parents or the person in charge. I tell them before I go anywhere or get into a car, even with someone I know.

I always CHECK FIRST with my parents or a trusted adult before I accept anything from anyone, even from someone I know.

I always TAKE A FRIEND with me when I go places or play outside.

I SAY NO if someone tries to touch me or treat me in a way that makes me feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused.

It’s OK to SAY NO, and I KNOW that there will always be someone who can help me.

I KNOW that I can TELL my parents or a trusted adult if I feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused.

I am STRONG, SMART, and have the right to be SAFE.

WHAT YOU AS A TEEN CAN DO

(rules for older children)
DON’T GO OUT ALONE. There is safety in numbers. This rule isn’t just for little kids, it applies to teens, too.
ALWAYS TELL AN ADULT WHERE YOU’RE GOING. Letting someone know where you’ll be at all times is smart. If you’re faced with a risky situation or get into trouble, your family and friends will know where to find you.
SAY NO IF YOU FEEL THREATENED. If someone—anyone—touches you in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable, you have the right to say no. Whether it is pressure about sex, drugs, or doing something that you know is wrong, be strong and stand your ground.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

(at school and at home)
At School Tips:

Always TAKE A FRIEND when walking or riding your bike to and from school. Stay with a group while waiting at the bus stop. It’s safer and more fun to be with your friends.
If anyone bothers you while going to or from school, get away from that person, and TELL a trusted adult like your parents or teacher.

If an adult approaches you for help or directions, remember grownups needing help should not ask children for help; they should ask other adults.
If someone you don’t know or feel comfortable with offers you a ride, say NO.
If someone follows you, get away from him or her as quickly as you can. Always be sure to TELL your parents or a trusted adult what happened.
If someone tries to take you somewhere, quickly get away and yell, “This person is trying to take me away!” or “This person is not my father (mother)!”
If you want to change your plans after school, always CHECK FIRST with your parents. Never play in parks, malls, or video arcades by yourself.
If you go home alone after school, check to see that everything is okay before you go in. Once inside, call your parents to let them know that you are okay. Make sure you follow your “Home Alone” tips.
Trust your feelings. If someone makes you feel scared or uncomfortable, get away as fast as you can and TELL a trusted adult.

At Home Tips for Teens:
Check out the house before entering. Go to a safe place to call for help if something doesn’t seem right.
Lock the door.
Call your mom or dad when you get home to let them know you’re safe.
Never tell callers that your parents aren’t home. Instead say that he or she can’t come to the phone and offer to take a message.
Don’t open the door for or talk to anyone who comes to your home unless that person is a trusted family friend or relative and your mom or dad has said it is okay.