To help avoid crime and reduce risk and fear, kids should be prepared to avoid or reduce risks of crime against them and how to react. This includes ways to minimize chances of being chosen for a target as well as ways to avoid problems if they are approached. This preparedness could even include some simple self-defense and escape tactics. Here is some advice to share with your kids.
Preparation
Talk with your friends. Discuss ways of avoiding danger, how you might react in threatening situations and which streets are safer than others.
Tell your parents where you are going and when, and ask them to do the same. Call them if your plans change. Someone should know where you are at all times.
When On The Street
Always be alert and aware of what is around you. A robber or mugger targets those who are unaware of a threat and can be taken by surprise.
When you're with friends, don't get so absorbed in conversation that you become unaware of your surroundings.
Walk with purpose. Look like you know where you're going.
Whenever possible, travel in a group rather than alone.
Walk on busy, well-lit streets and avoid isolated areas.
Don't display large bills and keep electronics out of sight to avoid attracting unwanted interest.
Don't hesitate to ask or yell for help from other adults, or duck into stores or restaurants if you feel threatened.
If Approached or Attacked
Never act "macho" when you are attacked. Give up what the attacker demands—no possession is worth the risk of getting hurt.
If grabbed, use every means to escape: kick, stamp, bite, punch, and scream. Knowing a few basic self-defense tactics is especially helpful.
Avoid strangers asking for help or offering treats. If someone stops a vehicle and tries to talk to you, move away or run.
If asked for the time or directions, keep your distance. These are common tactics used by muggers to get close or distract you. Your best answer is "I don't know."
Create a family "password" to be used if someone else is sent to pick you up in an emergency.
If Mugged or Robbed
If you are mugged, tell your parents and anyone else who seems appropriate—your teacher, school official or your friends. Always report incidents of crime to the police.
Acknowledgement
This article is based on advice circulated by the principal of a school in NYC and was prompted by several incidents of robbery and mugging of middle school aged kids in the area.
