Basic Safety Tips for Childcare

  • Never leave a child unattended or with anyone you don't completely trust.
  • Check that daycare providers/caregivers have police security clearance, including a vulnerable sectors screening.
  • Talk to your children about strangers and what is appropriate and inappropriate.
  • Talk to your children about any suspicious signs of injury, such as unexplained bruising.

Basic Safety Tips for Children

As a parent/guardian, it is important to ‘street proof' your children. The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) recommends that you include the following safety tips in the conversation:

  • Never approach a stranger.
  • Stay away from vehicles you do not know.
  • Be wary of strangers who are overly friendly or take an unusual interest in you.
  • You can go places and accept things from people you know, but first get permission from your parent/guardian and tell them where you are going, who you are with, and when you will return home.
  • Avoid potentially dangerous places such as secluded areas in parks, school yards after school is finished, alleyways, lane ways, and empty parking lots.
  • Never get into a stranger's vehicle.
  • Never engage in conversation with a stranger who is walking or driving a vehicle. Always stay back a safe distance and continue walking while being aware of the stranger's actions.
  • If you are ever confronted by a stranger, do whatever it takes to break free, such as screaming, biting, kicking, and rolling on the ground.
  • Never accept gifts, money, or candy from a stranger.
  • Always walk to and from school with brothers, sisters, or friends.
  • Whenever possible, if approached, try to remember the licence plate number, vehicle description, and the stranger's description.
  • Contact the police as soon as possible for assistance by calling 9-1-1.