As technological advances continue to improve our everyday lives, it becomes more important than ever to teach our children to be responsible when it comes to technology. There is an ongoing debate among parents about the correct age to give your child to a cellphone. A cellphone can be a handy item for a child to possess, especially if they ever find themselves alone. Without joining the debate and passing judgement on the correct age to present your child with a cellphone, we propose that you introduce the concept to your child at an early age, teaching them the importance of knowing certain information should they need it. Here are a few tips:

Review your home telephone number with your child.

Review your work telephone number.

Practice dialing “9-1-1” with your child and stress the importance of an emergency only policy when they dial.

Inform your child that they one day may need to report an emergency activity by dialing 9-1-1. Prepare them for the questions that the emergency operator may ask. Again, review your home telephone number; review your home address as well. Engage your child to become more aware of their surroundings. The emergency operator may ask them to describe a motor vehicle to them. Teach your child the difference between a car, van, suv and truck. Play the game “I-Spy” to reinforce their grasp of these differences. While on the road, ask them to identify that type of motor vehicle is near them. Ask them to describe the color, how many doors or even what the license plate displays. All of these activities will help to increase your child’s awareness and build their stranger safety skills.

Please watch our “Emergency” video and feel free to download it’s corresponding lesson plan on our free curriculum page. The more you practice stranger safety awareness with your children, the better they will be prepared if a dangerous situation presents itself!