Caveat – As many of our followers know, we advocate for the balanced use of age-appropriate technology in families. However, in today’s increasingly connected world, we’ve noticed that parents and caregivers often rely more on technology to enhance their children’s safety, rather than focusing on teaching the crucial techless “human element” of personal safety – thus the reason for this article.
In today’s onlife world, technology is an integral part of our lives, and our children’s safety plans. GPS trackers, safety apps, and smartphones are often the go-to tools parents rely on to track and protect their kids, and one of the main reasons why parents and caregivers want to give their child a phone. But here’s the reality – technology can fail. Batteries die, apps glitch, cell coverage can be lost, or a device might not be within reach during an emergency.
Does your child know how to navigate a dangerous situation without relying on technology? Back in the early 1990s, before cellphones became a staple for youth and teens, we developed a program called Safer K.I.D.S. (Keeping our children Informed, Defensible, and Safer). This program focused on empowering youth by teaching them essential skills like body sovereignty, exploitation prevention, and practical strategies for staying safe if they got lost or found themselves in trouble.
Fast forward to today, and we find that many youth might struggle with basic safety knowledge. Ask a child their home phone number or address, and they might respond, “Why would I need to know that? I can just pull out my phone and tap the call home button.” But what happens if their phone is lost, stolen, broken, or simply out of service in a critical moment?
In today’s tech-driven world, we have found that many young people are unprepared for situations where technology isn’t an option, making it more important than ever to revisit and teach essential techless safety skills that foster confidence and independence. As parents and caregivers, it’s vital to ensure children develop these foundational skills as a reliable backup to navigate unexpected challenges and stay safe when technology fails. We believe these skills remain crucial in today’s digital age and should be actively taught to every child:
- Your child should memorize your phone number and at least one other trusted adult’s contact information. This skill can be lifesaving if they lose their phone or need to borrow someone else’s.
Example: Teach your child to recite numbers as a fun game. Use rhymes or songs to help them remember.
- Show your child how to identify safe places in your community, like police stations, fire departments, libraries, a safe neighbour’s home, or well-lit stores. Also, show them places that you don’t want them to go and why.
Example: During walks to and from school, or while running errands in a car with your child, point out safer locations. Ask, “If you needed help, where would you go right now and why?”
- Teach your child how to approach trusted adults, such as uniformed personnel, store clerks, or adults with children, for help.
Example: Role-play scenarios where they practice asking for help from a store employee or a parent with kids.
- Help your child learn to identify landmarks and read street signs. If possible, teach them how to read a simple map (if you can find one).
Example: Go on a mini “navigation adventure” in your neighborhood. Let them guide you home using landmarks.
- Teach your child to ask someone for a phone to call 911 and how to clearly explain their situation.
Example: Practice with a script: “Hi, my name is (Name). I am at (Location). I need help because (Reason).”
- Establish meeting points in case you get separated in a crowded area.
Example: At a fair or park, say, “If we get separated, meet me at the big fountain by the entrance.”
The best way to teach these skills is through scenario-based practice. Role-play different scenarios to build your child’s confidence by playing “what would you do if” games such as:
- “What would you do it you get separated from me in a busy location and why?”
- “What would you do if you were lost, how would you ask for help from a person you didn’t know and why?”
- “What would you do if you were able to call 9-1-1, how would you communicate your situation clearly to emergency services and why.”
While technology is an incredible tool for keeping kids safer, it should never replace traditional safety skills. By balancing tech with techless strategies, you’re empowering your child with the confidence and tools they need to handle emergencies, regardless of the situation.
Techless safety skills aren’t just for emergencies; they’re life skills that will serve your child well into adulthood. Whether their smartphone is in hand or not, these skills offer peace of mind for both you and your child.
While technology offers incredible tools to enhance children’s safety, it is not infallible. Devices can fail due to dead batteries, connectivity issues, or even loss or theft. This highlights the need for techless safety skills that empower children to navigate emergencies independently.
By teaching children fundamental skills like memorizing key phone numbers, identifying safe locations, recognizing trusted helpers, and basic navigation techniques, parents and caregivers equip their kids to handle challenging situations without relying solely on technology. Role-playing and practice further solidify these abilities, ensuring children can confidently apply them in real life.
Ultimately, a balanced safety plan, incorporating both technological tools and techless skills, provides the most comprehensive approach. When technology fails, it’s resilience and preparation that will keep your child safe.
As parents and caregivers, it’s crucial to foster these techless safety skills early on, turning them into second nature for your children. Just as we teach them to look both ways before crossing the street or to wear a helmet while biking, teaching them how to navigate emergencies without technology builds confidence, independence, and critical thinking. It underscores the importance of preparing our kids for situations where they must rely on their own abilities rather than just technology.
By blending modern tools with timeless safety strategies, you not only protect your child in the onlife world, but also prepare them for a world where adaptability is key. Resilience isn’t just about having the latest gadget – it’s about knowing what to do when that gadget isn’t there. With a solid foundation of techless safety skills, your child will be ready to face challenges with confidence and resourcefulness, ensuring their safety in any situation.
As parents and caregivers, we must remember – technology is a tool, not a solution. When tech fails or is unavailable in a critical situation, resilience and preparation will prevail in the time of an emergency!
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
Facts Not Fear, Facts Not Emotions, Enlighten Not Frighten, Know Tech Not No Tech
