Remember This, Kids
Like most conscientious and loving parents, Nancy Reynolds worries about her children (a lot!), even as they’ve gotten older and asserted their independence during their teen years:
When my kids were young, I worried about whether they’d take a nap or share their toys during playdates. Now I worry about BIG stuff like them driving alone, staying safe when they’re out with friends, whether they’re aware of their surroundings when they’re walking to their car, and whether they’ll make good decisions when the chips are down.
I can’t protect my kids from everything… I know that. But what I can do is prepare them, educate them and make them more aware.
Reynolds’ list of “50 Potentially Life-Saving Safety Tips Every Teenager Should Know” deserves to be read by every parent raising a child, and every teenager living in these dangerous times. Reading some of these commonsense reminders may trigger feelings of anxiety and sadness in some parents, like this everyday safety tip:
ALWAYS let someone know where you are at all times. There are plenty of smartphone apps that use GPS to track your location so your parents/friends know if you don’t check-in or come home by a certain time.
Most little kids know about “stranger danger.” Some teenagers need a reminder:
It’s sad, but you can’t trust anyone you don’t know. If a man or woman approaches you in public and asks for money, a ride, directions or anything else, you don’t have to engage with them. And, don’t assume a woman is harmless. Sometimes, criminals work in teams. STAY ALERT!
Keeping your wits about you means relying on all your sense organs, including your eyes…
PUT THE CELLPHONE DOWN. You’re an easy target when you’re focused on the conversation you’re having and NOT your surroundings. Those calls and texts can wait!
… and ears…
Never wear earbuds when you’re walking alone at night. Criminals are always on the hunt for people who are distracted and easy targets.
Last week on The PediaBlog, we pointed to social media as one reason for the observed decline in mental health in American teens. Everyone can at least do this to protect their privacy and safety:
Don’t post your every move on social media. That way no one will be able to digitally stalk you.
This, too:
Remember… EVERYTHING you post is permanent – it never really goes away! After posting something, anyone can screenshot it, save it and re-post it later. Think twice before you post ANYTHING. Remember, many employers now check social media profiles when hiring. If it’s not something you’d want your mom to see, don’t post it.
Reynolds offers 21 tips just for teen drivers. Some might make your hair stand up or bring back a little PTSD in some readers. But please do read them here and then pass along the knowledge to your kids.
source https://www.thepediablog.com/2023/05/22/remember-this-kids/
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