In the light of some child safety concerns in the area, the Vredenburg police cluster wants local parents to know prevention is better than cure.
Cluster spokesperson Capt Tania Helfrich says it is important that parents educate and prepare their children for dangerous situations.
“Do your children know how to get out of a scary situation?” she asks.
“Do they understand how to ask for your help when it is embarrassing to ask?”
Helfrich says code words can help when a child is feeling uncomfortable and looking for a discreet way to leave.
They can use the password when they are feeling unsafe. This can be used at home, when there are guests in the house or when they are on a play date or a sleepover.
The most important thing to remember here is to raise their awareness and teach them to be cautious. A family password will help children to learn that they can alleviate fear and escape from a potentially dangerous situation.
According to Helfrich a password can also be used when a parent sends another adult to pick the children up from school. A child can also ask for the password before opening the front door for anyone.
If the person cannot provide the special word the child then knows to get help.
