- Lead by example: Involve your child in checking smoke detectors or turning off lights when leaving a room. Make sure they know how to check all the locks in your home to ensure security. This builds responsibility and sharpens their observational skills, which is key to staying safe.
Teach Your Teens Real-World Readiness
Teenagers crave independence, and your harm reduction lessons must grow with them. Now is the time to talk openly about risk, responsibility and technology in terms of danger and self-sufficiency.
- Home-alone safety: Most children aged 11 to 12 can stay home alone, depending on family dynamics, maturity and local security. When you do leave them alone, discuss house rules, emergency contacts and regular check-ins.
- Online awareness: Since 96% of teens use the internet, it’s important to teach them the basics of what information to never share, like location, personal routines or holiday plans. This keeps them and the rest of your family safe from anyone who means harm or intruders preying on empty homes.
Teenagers crave independence, and your harm reduction lessons must grow with them.
- Practical skills: Show them how to operate home security systems and check carbon monoxide detectors. This is especially important if they’re in charge of watching younger siblings at home. Learning life skills has the added benefit of strengthening their independence, developing their observational skills and teaching responsibility.
- Monitor screen time: Encourage open communication with your teen about what they’re watching and who they’re interacting with online. Your teen’s well-being begins with feeling secure enough to inform you about their online and offline interactions.
Your Child’s Safety Starts at Home
Teaching your children about protecting themselves in the home is more than a one-time step – it’s a lifelong, evolving process. Each lesson gives you the opportunity to raise kids who are prepared for emergencies. By starting young, involving them in routines and teaching them how to use tech wisely, you’re equipping them with tools for life and gifting yourself peace of mind.
Jane Marsh is the founder and editor-in-chief of Environment.co where she shares practical tips on how to live a greener life.
