Help Your Teen Avoid Becoming a Victim of Crime

As your teen earns more independence, it is important to make sure he knows the steps to take to stay safe when he is going places. During your time together, teach him some techniques:

• Travel with a friend or in a group. Travel during daylight hours whenever possible.
• Always let someone responsible know where you’re going and what time you’ll be back.
• Never accept a ride from a stranger. Don’t hitchhike, and don’t pick up hitchhikers.
• Be alert when waiting for the bus or subway. Avoid waiting alone at night.
• Have your fare ready, to avoid the need to open a purse or wallet in front of others.
• Sit near the conductor or the driver. Avoid sitting near an exit door, where you might invite an attacker to “hit and run.”
• Always keep doors and windows locked when you are at home. Lock them when you leave, too—even if you are going out “just for a minute.”
• Never let a stranger into the house, even if he or she says it’s an emergency.

If you are the victim of a crime, call the police immediately. Always report a crime. If you don’t, someone else may become a victim, too.

Adapted from Today's Tip for Parents.