SAN ANTONIO – School may be back in session, but stranger danger is something children should be aware of year-round. The San Antonio Police Department as a result has offered several tips to parents to help keep children safe.
SAPD said students walking to school should try to walk with a group or close to a group, and that they should not find a shortcut. Police said its important for children walking to school to always stay on the sidewalk.
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Police said parents need to be sure to know where your children are at all times and when they are supposed to return home. They advise knowing your children’s friends’ and their parents, along with where they live and how to get in touch with them.
Police said to discuss with your children how to identify safe adults who they can go to when they are in danger, authority figures, such as police and firefighters.
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Children should know how and when to call 911, police said. The department suggests choosing a secret code word to use in emergency situations and if you can’t pick up your children yourself, make sure the person you send uses the code word. Tell your child that they should never go with anyone who does not know the code word.
SAPD has tips for students: try to walk with a group or close to a group, don't try to find a shortcut, stay on the side walk #BackToSchool
— KSAT Max Massey (@MaxMasseyTV) August 15, 2017
Police add that it's also important to monitor what websites your children frequent. By doing so, it helps to monitor other potential dangers such as predators in chat rooms, as well as cyberbullies.
Police say it's also important to monitor what websites your children frequent. There are dangers of predators in chat rooms & cyber bullies
— KSAT Max Massey (@MaxMasseyTV) August 15, 2017
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