Safety Tips for Commuting Tweens and Teens

This summer we have reported an alarming number of thefts, robberies, and break-ins. On September 6 kids will be returning to school and many will be commuting without adult supervision for the first time. Some of those will spend the hours between school and work dismissals at home alone. The police department has a Crime Prevention for Children brochure, and in addition, we’ve compiled some common sense tips.

The best way to avoid an attack is to not become a target.

• Call or text while standing on the well-lit subway platform or in a lobby. Don’t text and walk. A texting pedestrian is a texting target.

• Update ICE–In Case of Emergency–numbers. Good Samaritans will check for ICE numbers if, lets pray it never happens, your child can’t use their own phone. They may also search under “Mom” or “Dad” so list parental numbers with such honorifics.

• Establish a route for your child and follow make sure they follow it. Don’t deviate. Ever. If there is a problem, you can look for your child on that route. Emphasize secluded, dark streets are more dangerous than well-lit, well-traveled ones.

• Establish commuting rules. Is it alright to buy a candy bar in a busy deli with all your friends? If so, which ones? Find your parameters and enforce them.

• Identify safe places. If your child feels uncomfortable walking home, predetermine locations along the route where they can seek refuge.

• If using public transportation, have an “in case of emergency” MetroCard and cash stashed in a safe location in their backpack.

• Use the buddy system. There is less foot traffic in our neighborhood when school dismisses than during rush hour. Commute with a friend.

• Don’t wear/share earbuds. As cool as it may seem to be attached via white Apple wires, you might as well print a bulls-eye on your backpack. Also high on the target list for thieves right now are the easily-identifiable Beats by Dr. Dre headphones.

• Be aware if someone if following you. Look in reflections of car and store windows to see if you’re being followed.

• If you think you are, cross the street. Go into a well-lit store–several in our area participate in the Safe Stop program and have signs about it in their windows, look for those. Call 911.

• Have your key ready. Lock the door once you get inside. Don’t answer it for anyone.

Following these tips will reduce–but not eliminate–the odds of your child becoming a victim of crime. What other commuting tips do you give your Ditmas Park tweens and teens?

Photo: teens waiting for train by bondidwhat on Flickr.