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- Stay Aware. Notice people, animals, cars, bicycles, & buses. Pay attention to sounds, smells, & sights. Be aware of everything going on around you.
- Move Away From Trouble. If you notice anything that doesn’t feel safe, leave, and go to adults who can help you.
- Act Calm & Confident. People will listen to you more and bother you less when you act calm, firm, and respectful, not scared or mad.
- Use Stranger Safety Habits. Younger kids: Check First with your adults before going close or talking to people or animals you don’t know well. Older kids: Think First. If you’re not sure, move away toward safety.
- Stick to the Plan. Check First with your adults before you change the plan about where you are, who you’re with, or what you’re doing.
- Let Go of Your Stuff. If you need to leave behind or hand over a bag, phone, wallet, etc, in order to be safe, then let it go! Fighting over stuff can be unsafe. You are much more important than your things.
- Speak Up. If something bothers you, say so. Know how to say “Please stop.” Tell adults you trust about anything that bothers you.
- Use Words Safely. Saying, emailing, texting, or IMing mean words, even if someone else did it first, makes problems bigger.
- Protect Your Feelings. Notice mean words without taking them in. Practice catching them & throwing them away. Talk with an adult you trust.
- Get Help. You deserve to feel safe at home, at school, and everywhere you go. Tell – and keep telling – adults you trust about safety problems.
- Put Safety First. Being polite, kind, and respectful is important, but being safe is more important than being polite, kind, and respectful.
Published: March 6, 2014 | Last Updated: March 22, 2017