While we don’t want our kids to live their lives constantly paranoid of the world around them, here are basic rules that they should be instructed to follow.

–Tell your kids to never talk to strangers; that means on the Internet too; never accept rides from strangers or, for that matter, go anywhere with a stranger.

–Always use a buddy system—where kids walk together to and from school, to the park, to a friend’s house. If your child must walk alone, know their route and, if possible, have them check in when they arrive—and when they are about to leave to come home.

–Have your child learn their home number, your cell phone number, your work number, their home address and how to call 911 in emergencies. Kids should be told not to share any personal contact information with strangers (the exception would be police or other emergency responders).

–Tell your kids  to never do something that makes them feel uncomfortable—no matter if other kids are doing it or an adult they know says it’s ok. Explain that it’s important to tell you right away if they are put in an uncomfortable situation.

Cell Phones. To stay in touch with your child and in case of an emergency, consider purchasing a basic, kid-friendly cell phone without the bells and whistles of a high-powered smart phone. You’ll want one that has tough parental controls and limited (if any) data usage capabilities. You may want to purchase phone insurance because, odds are, it will be lost or damaged.

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