THE Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) is reminding parents of some basic safety measures that should be considered, in preparing children for back-to-school, as the new school year approaches.

“While it is the role of the CAC to advise parents on how to get the best value for money, through proper planning and money management, it is equally important that we remind them of the important issue of the safety of their children,” communications specialist at the CAC, Dorothy Campbell said.

She said it was important that parents and guardians teach the children, especially the very young ones, about ways in which they can defend themselves and avoid incidences that may place them in dangerous or harmful situations.

Campbell added that it is the parents’ responsibility to teach their children how to react and what actions to take during an incident.

“Parents should teach their children their addresses and telephone numbers. Teach them at home to dial family members…dial grandma and auntie at intervals,” she advised.

“Do not underestimate them at all…if you teach them safety tips, they will remember,” she emphasised.

Another point of consideration is how children should operate at school. The children must understand that they should not be left alone in a classroom and that they must walk in groups, not alone.

“Instruct them that if they see something suspicious on the playground to go to a teacher, an adult, or scream or shout to get some attention,” the communications specialist said.

Important, too, she continued, is that they learn “not to take rides from strangers, even if they tell them that you (the parent) sent them”.

Critical also, is that “parents should develop a good relationship with the child’s teacher, so that they will know exactly what you want them to do in case of an emergency,” Campbell pointed out.

For the older children, “it is important for you to be present at the Parent Teachers’ Association (PTA) meetings,” she said.

“If you are not aware of what is happening with your child, or what is taking place at the school, you won’t be able to help them, and if the school is not aware of what is happening with you at home, they won’t be able to assist your child,” she added.

Campbell recommended to parents the following basic safety tips as a guide towards a comprehensive safety plan:

* Teach your child his or her full names, that is, the parents’ names and the child’s own name. Do not use pet names, as this may confuse your child.

* Teach children the name of their street and full address.

* Take them on the route to and from school during the weekend. Point out important landmarks that are not likely to change.

* Have a specific person or persons pick up your child and establish a pattern of calling to report any changes in the arrangements. Introduce the person you know and trust to the classroom teacher. If someone else other than this person is going to pick up your child, inform the child, the school’s administrative office, and his or her teacher.