Welcome back to our series: Growing Safe Together: A Summer Safety Series for Families. Last week, we discussed how to teach our children about trusted adults. This week, we are building on trusted adults, and incorporating them into the safety rules that we teach our children. Join us each week as we share simple, practical strategies you can use right away to build connection, strengthen safety skills, and help your child grow with confidence.
Week 2- Practice: Three Safety Rules Every Kid Should Know
Teaching kids safety rules can help them feel more confident and prepared when something does not feel right. The three most important safety rules are: say no, get away, and tell a trusted adult. These steps are easy to remember, but they are also powerful. They help children recognize unsafe situations, react quickly, and report what happened so they can get help. These three rules are simple enough to remember, yet flexible enough to be used in a wide range of situations, giving children a practical tool they can rely on when faced with an unsafe or uncomfortable situation.
Safety Rule #1- SAY NO!
Every child needs to know that they have a voice and that they can use that voice to help protect themselves. When teaching this skill, encourage children to be assertive by using a strong, clear voice, standing firm, and speaking up when something does not feel right. Saying no can be helpful in many different situations. For example, if a stranger offers them a ride, asks for help finding a lost pet, or tries to get too close, they can confidently say, “No!” Children can also use this skill if someone is pressuring them to do something they know is wrong, such as cheating on a test, trying a vape, alcohol, or drugs, or participating in other risky behaviors. If they are being bullied, they can stand up for themselves by clearly saying, “Don't treat me like that.” Teaching children that it is okay to say no helps build confidence, establish healthy boundaries, and promote personal safety.
Safety Rule #2- GET AWAY!
If a child feels unsafe, uncomfortable, or threatened, it is important for them to know that they do not have to stay in that situation. After saying no, children should move away from the person or situation as quickly as possible and go to a safe place where trusted adults or other safe people are nearby. This could mean walking away from a bullying situation, moving away from a stranger who is approaching them, or leaving a group of friends who are pressuring them to make unsafe choices. Getting away creates distance between the child and the potential danger, making it easier for them to seek help and stay safe. Remind children that their safety is more important than being polite or worrying about hurting someone's feelings.
Safety Rule #3- TELL A TRUSTED ADULT!
Once a child is safe, they should tell a trusted adult what happened as soon as possible. This step is important because adults can provide support, help solve the problem, and take action to keep the child safe. Children should know that they can report situations that make them feel scared, uncomfortable, confused, or unsafe—even if someone told them to keep it a secret. They should also know that they will not get in trouble for telling the truth about a safety concern. If you read last week's post about identifying trusted adults, now is a great time to review that list with your child and make sure they know exactly who they can turn to for help. Encourage children to keep telling trusted adults until someone listens and helps. As parents and caregivers, remember that when a child comes to you with a concern, they chose you for a reason. Take a deep breath, listen before reacting, and focus on creating a calm, supportive environment where they feel heard and believed. Your response can make all the difference in whether they feel comfortable coming to you again in the future.
Parents and caregivers play a key role in helping children learn and practice these safety rules in everyday life. One of the most effective ways to teach the three safety rules is through simple repetition and role-play. Practice different scenarios together, such as what to do if a stranger approaches, if someone is bullying them, or if a friend pressures them to make a poor choice. Keep conversations calm and age-appropriate, focusing on empowerment rather than fear. Children learn best when these skills are woven into everyday moments, not just talked about once. It can also be helpful to gently reinforce that it is always okay to make mistakes and come back to talk about them. The goal is to build confidence through practice, so that if a real situation ever happens, their response feels familiar and automatic rather than overwhelming.
By teaching kids to say no, get away, and tell a trusted adult, parents and caregivers give them a simple safety plan they can use in many kinds of dangerous situations. These rules help children recognize warning signs, react quickly, and report concerns before things get worse. The more we talk about safety with our children and practice these responses, the more confident and prepared they will become.
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The NETCAC provides educational information for families, schools, churches, and community groups across Northeast Texas. If you or your organization is interested in more information, or hosting an educational event, please contact Caitlin Graham at (903)629-7588.
