The safety of families, children and young people within the community is of the utmost importance. Ipswich City Council aims to provide the families, children and young people of the community a safe environment to live and play in. It is important that you have a sound awareness of the safety issues that possibly face your family and children and how to prevent or reduce the risk of them becoming a victim of crime.
Tips for Safe Family Practices
- It is a good idea to place a "whereabouts" board somewhere busy in the house (e.g. kitchen or living room) where all family members can write their daily schedules down and also can see where the rest of the family is for that day. This will help to keep track of all family members in case of an emergency.
- Teach children and young people not to answer the door without an adult in attendance. A child or young person answering the door without an adult could indicate to a potential offender that the child is home by themselves and presents as an easier target for unlawful entry to the house.
- Teach your family to verify the identity of phone callers at the start of the phone call and teach children and young people not to advise any callers if they are home alone. If the child or young person is home alone they should advise that their parents or carer is currently busy and will return the phone call when possible.
- In modern times the internet poses substantial risks to all users, particularly children and young people. Ensure that you never give out personal information on the internet to unknown sources; children should be taught to never give out any information regardless. Teach your children about online predators and be vigilant in monitoring your children's use of the internet and websites that they access.
- Teach your children not to talk to or accept anything from strangers, especially when they are not in your care, for example at school or on their way home from school. Should your child be approached by a stranger teach them the protocol for reporting this to the correct authority (e.g. school or police) where applicable.
- Ensure you keep a watchful eye on children and young people at all times and teach them to ask permission each and every time they wish to leave the house without being accompanied by adult, including if they are playing on the street. This will help to ensure their safety and wellbeing. It will help any possible further danger that may be presented by ensuring you are aware of their whereabouts.
- Adults need to be particularly careful and observant with children and young people around water and pools. Ipswich City Council supports positive pool and water safety practices and further information can be found on the Pool Safety page.