In today’s world, teaching kids about safety is not just wise—it’s essential. Whether they’re at home, school or out with friends, children need to be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to ask the right questions and act smartly in uncertain situations. At The Kids Point, we believe that empowering children through education is one of the best ways to keep them safe. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide to help parents, caregivers and teachers instill key safety awareness through questions every child should learn.
Why Teaching Safety Questions Matters
Children are naturally curious, but they may not always understand the potential risks around them. Teaching them to ask safety-focused questions helps:
- Develop critical thinking
- Boost situational awareness
- Strengthen decision-making skills
- Encourage independence
When kids learn the right questions to ask in various scenarios, they gain a sense of control over their environment—without instilling unnecessary fear.
Who Are My Safe Adults?
Why it matters: Children need to clearly understand who they can trust and go to in case of trouble.
Teach your child to ask:
- “If something happens, who can I talk to?”
- “Who is allowed to pick me up from school?”
- “If I get lost, who should I ask for help?”
Tip for parents: Create a “safe adult list” with photos and contact details. Include parents, grandparents, teachers or family friends.
What Is My Full Name, Address, and Phone Number?
Why it matters: If a child gets separated from their caregiver, they need to provide key identification information.
Teach your child to ask themselves:
- “Do I know my home address and phone number by heart?”
- “Can I tell someone how to contact my parents?”
Tip for parents: Practice this information regularly like a game or song until it’s memorized.
What Should I Do If I Get Lost?
Why it matters: Children can panic when they’re lost, but preparation can help them stay calm and think clearly.
Teach your child to ask:
- “Should I stay where I am or try to find help?”
- “What kind of adult is safe to talk to if I’m lost?”
Safe adults may include: Store employees with name tags, uniformed police officers, or mothers with children.
Is This Situation Safe?
Why it matters: This open-ended question encourages kids to pause and evaluate what’s happening around them.
Teach your child to ask:
- “Is it safe to go there?”
- “Should I be doing this if no adult is around?”
- “What could go wrong?”
Tip for parents: Use real-life examples, like crossing a busy street or entering a new building, to help them practice evaluating risk.
What Are the Rules When I’m Home Alone?
Why it matters: Whether a child is home for 10 minutes or an hour, they need to understand boundaries and safety procedures.
Teach your child to ask:
- “Can I open the door for someone?”
- “Am I allowed to cook anything?”
- “What should I do if I hear a strange noise?”
Tip for parents: Develop a clear plan with rules and emergency contacts posted in a visible location.
What Should I Do in an Emergency?
Why it matters: Emergencies happen fast. Kids must know how to respond.
Teach your child to ask:
- “When should I call 999 or 911?”
- “What do I say if I call emergency services?”
- “Where is the fire extinguisher or first aid kit?”
Tip for parents: Role-play various emergencies (fire, medical, stranger danger) so your child becomes familiar with the steps.
What Is a Stranger and What Do I Do Around One?
Why it matters: “Stranger danger” isn’t always the right message. It’s better to teach kids how to respond to behavior rather than looks.
Teach your child to ask:
- “Do I know this person?”
- “Are they asking me to do something that feels wrong or secret?”
- “Should I go somewhere with them?”
Golden rule: No adult should ask a child for help (e.g., finding a pet, directions). That’s a red flag.
Is It OK to Keep Secrets?
Why it matters: Abusers often use secrecy to manipulate children.
Teach your child to ask:
- “Is this a good secret or a bad secret?”
- “Should I tell someone even if I was told not to?”
- “Will someone be hurt if I don’t speak up?”
Tip for parents: Reinforce the difference between surprises (like birthday gifts) and secrets that make them feel uncomfortable.
Am I Being Bullied or Am I Bullying Someone?
Why it matters: Teaching kids to reflect on their own and others’ behavior helps stop bullying before it escalates.
Teach your child to ask:
- “Is someone making me feel scared or small?”
- “Am I doing something to hurt someone else’s feelings?”
- “Have I told a teacher or trusted adult?”
Tip for parents: Create an open-door policy for communication about school or social life without fear of punishment.
Do I Feel Safe in My Body?
Why it matters: Kids must know they have autonomy over their own bodies.
Teach your child to ask:
- “Do I want a hug or not?”
- “Did someone touch me in a way that made me uncomfortable?”
- “Who can I tell if something feels wrong?”
Tip for parents: Start these conversations early and normalize body safety using proper anatomical terms.
What Are My Online Safety Rules?
Why it matters: Many dangers children face today are digital—cyberbullying, predators, and inappropriate content.
Teach your child to ask:
- “Should I share this photo or information?”
- “Do I really know who I’m talking to online?”
- “Have I told my parents about what I saw?”
Tip for parents: Use parental controls and regularly discuss screen time and app usage openly.
What Should I Do If Someone Offers Me Drugs or Alcohol?
Why it matters: Even young kids can encounter peer pressure. Having a prepared response helps.
Teach your child to ask:
- “Is this something I’m allowed to take?”
- “Why are they asking me to try this?”
- “Can I leave and tell someone I trust?”
Tip for parents: Encourage your child to blame you if they need an excuse to say “no.”
How Can I Stand Up for Myself or Others Safely?
Why it matters: Advocacy and assertiveness are critical for self-protection and peer support.
Teach your child to ask:
- “Is this fair?”
- “Can I say no without getting into trouble?”
- “How can I help someone being mistreated?”
Tip for parents: Teach calm assertiveness through role-play (e.g., “Please stop, I don’t like that”).
Who Can I Talk to When I’m Feeling Sad or Scared?
Why it matters: Kids need to know that emotions are valid and they don’t have to face them alone.
Teach your child to ask:
- “Who do I trust when I feel anxious or upset?”
- “Is it okay to cry or feel scared?”
- “What can I do to feel better?”
Tip for parents: Model vulnerability and emotional honesty so kids know it’s safe to do the same.
How to Teach These Questions Effectively
- Use real-life scenarios: During outings, practice “what-if” questions in a fun, low-pressure way.
- Repeat and reinforce: Like any skill, safety questioning improves with practice and patience.
- Make it visual: Create posters or flashcards to help children remember.
- Stay positive: Focus on empowerment, not fear. Emphasize that safety tools help them feel more secure, not scared.
Final Thoughts: Raising Smart, Aware, and Safe Kids
Teaching kids about safety doesn’t need to be overwhelming or scary. With the right tools—like the ability to ask smart, reflective questions—children can navigate the world more confidently and securely. At The Kids Point, our goal is to support families and educators in raising resilient, safety-aware children through informed guidance and engaging resources. Let’s build a world where every child not only knows the rules of safety—but understands and owns them.