Yay! Home Alone... But Do I Feel Safe?

Becoming a teen means many changes and one of these is possibly being able to stay home in the house by yourself. This can be quite exciting as it means that your parents feel you are responsible enough to be left on your own for a few hours! Even though it may be fun being home by yourself or possibly with a friend, it is important to remember, at any age, that we need to feel safe and secure without an adult around.

Here are some reminders of how to keep safe at home:

• If someone knocks on your front door or rings the doorbell, make sure you do not run to the door and open it up straight away. You never know who might be there. 1) Ask 'who is there'?, 2) Tell the person now is not a good time and let them know your parents are busy.

It is always a good thing to ensure your front door is locked. Keep a latch on if you have one.

• If you are home alone at night, ensure your parents tell a next door neighbour or relative in case you need somewhere to go while they are out
• Make sure you have emergency phone numbers on you
• Keep the curtains drawn as it starts getting dark
• Make sure you know where any locks & keys for windows/grills are kept in case of an emergency.

Answering the phone

When you  answer the phone do not give out your name or any other personal information, especially if you do not know the person on the other end of the line! If they want to know what number they called, ask THEM to tell you what they dialled, and confirm it, if it is your number.

• Never feel pressured to give out any information you do not want to give out.
• On your answer phone – if you have a personalised message, never say you are out, but instead say that you are 'not available at the moment' and do not leave family names or mobile phone numbers on the message.
• You want to give out as little personal information as possible.

So...What Have We Learnt???!!!

Your safety is your NUMBER ONE priority!
Dial 999 for an emergency.
AND: even if your parents ARE home, but may be in the garden or upstairs out of sight, you should not open the front door without letting them know.