At The Kids Point, we understand that the safety of your children is a top priority. While you can’t shield them from every danger, you can empower them with the knowledge and skills to handle risky situations. Asking your kids the right safety questions helps develop their critical thinking and boosts their confidence to make safe choices in everyday life.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to essential safety questions every parent should ask their kids. These questions, covering areas like home safety, online safety, outdoor safety, personal safety, transportation, and emergency preparedness, will help you ensure your child is well-prepared to stay safe in various scenarios.
Home Safety
Do you know how to call for help in an emergency?
This is one of the most important questions you can ask your child. It’s essential that they know how to dial emergency services, such as 911 in the U.S., and understand what information to provide (e.g., their name, address, and nature of the emergency).
Do you know what to do if there’s a fire in the house?
Children should be familiar with fire escape routes, how to use them, and where to meet the family once they’re safely outside. Practice fire drills at home to ensure they feel confident in their ability to react in a real situation.
What would you do if a stranger knocked on the door while you’re home alone?
Teach your child never to open the door for someone they don’t know. Make sure they understand they should call a trusted adult if they’re ever unsure about someone at the door.
Do you know where to find the first aid kit, and do you know how to use it?
While young children won’t know how to administer first aid, it’s important to teach them where the first aid kit is and, if they’re old enough, some basic skills like applying a bandage or using an antiseptic.
What would you do if you found a dangerous item, like a knife or medication, lying around?
Children should know that some items in the house are dangerous and should never be touched. They should also know to alert an adult if they find something that could cause harm.
Online Safety
Do you know what information is safe to share online and what isn’t?
Help your child understand that personal information like their full name, address, phone number, and school name should never be shared online without permission. Encourage them to check with you before sharing anything that feels uncertain.
What would you do if someone you don’t know tries to talk to you online?
Explain to your child that not everyone they meet online is who they say they are. If someone they don’t know reaches out, they should immediately tell you or another trusted adult.
Do you understand that not everything you see online is true?
Teach your child to approach online information critically. Explain that people sometimes lie online, and that they should ask you or another trusted adult if they’re unsure about something they’ve read or seen.
What would you do if someone is bullying you or someone else online?
Cyberbullying is a growing concern, and it’s important to let your child know that they should come to you if they or anyone else is being bullied online. Make it clear that they won’t get in trouble for reporting such incidents, and you’ll support them in handling the situation.
Do you know how to set your privacy settings on social media or gaming accounts?
Walk your child through the importance of privacy settings and how to use them to protect their accounts from strangers. This conversation can also cover the dangers of sharing too much on public profiles.
Outdoor Safety
What do you do if you get lost in a public place?
Kids should know to stay in a safe spot and ask for help from someone in authority, like a security officer or a store clerk. Teach them to avoid asking random strangers for help and to approach individuals in uniforms or families with children if no one in authority is visible.
Do you know how to cross the street safely?
Ensure your child understands basic pedestrian safety, including looking both ways before crossing, using crosswalks, and obeying traffic signals.
What would you do if someone you don’t know offers you a ride or a gift?
Teach your child never to accept rides, gifts, or treats from strangers, even if they seem friendly. Make sure they know to immediately walk away and find a trusted adult if someone suspicious approaches them.
Do you know what to do if you see a dog or other animal acting aggressively?
Children should understand how to safely interact with animals and know what to do if they encounter an aggressive one, such as not running, staying calm, and slowly backing away.
Do you know how to swim, and do you understand water safety?
Water safety is critical, especially if your child spends time near pools, lakes, or the ocean. Teach them the importance of swimming with a buddy, not going in the water without supervision, and understanding the dangers of deep water.
Personal Safety
Do you know that your body belongs to you and that you have the right to say no?
It’s vital to teach children about bodily autonomy from an early age. Make sure they understand that no one has the right to touch them in ways that make them uncomfortable, and that they should tell you or a trusted adult if anything like this happens.
What would you do if someone makes you feel unsafe or uncomfortable?
Children should know they can always come to you or another trusted adult if someone is making them feel unsafe, whether it’s a stranger or someone they know.
Do you know how to identify safe adults to ask for help?
Teach your child to identify adults they can trust, such as teachers, police officers, family friends, and other caregivers. They should also understand that if they ever feel unsafe with a trusted adult, they should find someone else to talk to.
What would you do if you see a weapon?
Children should know never to touch any weapons they find and to alert an adult immediately. Explain the importance of staying away from dangerous objects and recognizing the threat they can pose.
Do you understand the importance of saying no to peer pressure, especially when it feels wrong?
Peer pressure can lead children to make unsafe choices. Teach them the importance of trusting their instincts and standing up for themselves, even when others are trying to persuade them to do something they know is wrong.
Transportation Safety
Do you know the rules for wearing seat belts and using car seats?
Make sure your child understands that seat belts are non-negotiable and should always be worn properly. Depending on their age, review car seat or booster seat safety guidelines with them.
What would you do if you’re riding your bike and see a car coming?
Teach your child about bike safety, including how to properly use bike lanes, wear a helmet, and be aware of their surroundings while riding. Practice looking for cars and understanding traffic rules together.
Do you know what to do when you ride the school bus?
Children should know the rules for riding the school bus, such as staying seated, keeping their arms inside the bus, and being respectful of other passengers. They should also be aware of how to safely get on and off the bus and where to wait for it.
What would you do if someone asks you to get into a car without your permission?
Reinforce the rule that children should never get into a car with someone without your explicit permission, even if that person seems familiar or friendly. This helps them understand the importance of maintaining boundaries with acquaintances as well as strangers.
Do you know how to safely walk to school or the bus stop?
If your child walks to school or the bus stop, review the safest route with them and talk about avoiding shortcuts or unfamiliar areas. Ensure they understand basic road safety and know how to get help if they need it.
Emergency Preparedness
Do you know who to call if there’s an emergency and I’m not there?
Children should know how to reach you, as well as backup contacts like grandparents, family friends, or trusted neighbors. Make sure they have these phone numbers memorized or written down in a safe place.
What would you do if there’s a natural disaster, like an earthquake or tornado?
Depending on your location, teach your child how to respond to natural disasters. This might involve taking cover under sturdy furniture during an earthquake or heading to a designated safe room during a tornado.
Do you know where our family emergency kit is and what’s inside?
If your family has an emergency preparedness kit, show your child where it’s kept and explain what’s inside. Teach them the importance of staying calm and following instructions during emergencies.
What would you do if you see someone hurt or in trouble?
Teach your child how to help others safely, such as calling for help, staying with the injured person, and knowing when it’s important to seek an adult’s assistance. Make sure they understand that they should never try to intervene in dangerous situations on their own.
At The Kids Point, we believe that open communication about safety is one of the best ways to keep children safe. By asking these essential safety questions, parents can empower their children to think critically and make smart decisions in potentially dangerous situations. Regularly reviewing safety guidelines and practicing scenarios with your kids will help them feel more confident and prepared to handle emergencies or risks that may arise in everyday life.