Learning basic safety precautions can help a person avoid threatening or harmful situations.

personal safety

self-defense

cyberbullying

Safety Strategies

The key to personal safety is learning how to recognize and avoid dangerous situations.

Teens are the victims of more violent crimes than any other age group.

Safety Strategies

Teens are more likely than children to go out at night, but they are less likely than adults to protect their personal safety.

Personal safetyThe steps you take to prevent yourself from becoming the victim of crime.

Safety Strategies

About half of all violent crime occurs within one mile of a victim’s home, and many victims know their attackers.

Safety Strategies

If you carry a cell phone, make sure it’s easy to get to.

Call 911 if you need emergency services.

Avoid walking alone at night or in isolated areas, such as alleys or parks.

Stick to brightly lit, well-traveled streets.

Walk briskly and confidently.

Safety Strategies

Wear comfortable shoes so that you can move quickly.

Carry your wallet or purse in a place that makes it difficult to grab.

Avoid openly displaying expensive jewelry, electronics, or anything that would attract a thief.

If you drive, park your car in a well-lit area and lock it. Before getting in, check the inside of the car.

Never hitchhike or give a ride to anyone you do not know well.

Safety Strategies

Keep in mind that even someone you’ve met before could be dangerous.

Get on and off public transportation in busy, well-lit areas.

Sit near the driver or with a group of people.

Know the locations of nearby public places where you can seek help if you need it.

Let your family know where you’re going and when you’ll be back. Call them if your plans change.

Learning to Protect Yourself

One way that you can protect yourself from crime is to avoid the places where it is likely to occur.

Be aware of what’s happening around you, even when you are in familiar places.

Learning to Protect Yourself

One self-defense strategy is to project a strong, confident image.

Self-defenseAny strategy for protecting yourself from harm

Learning to Protect Yourself

If you think you are being followed in a public place

Let the stalker know that you are aware of his or her presence.

Try changing directions or crossing the street.

Seek help from someone nearby or enter a business that’s open.

Learning to Protect Yourself

If you are attacked or about to be attacked, do whatever is necessary to escape, such as running, yelling, or kicking.

 

Shout “fire” instead of “help”—it’s more likely to get a response.

Learning to Protect Yourself

Self-defense classes can boost your confidence and help you take charge of your own safety.

Learning to Protect Yourself

Self-defense classes can teach you how to

physically protect yourself

size up situation

figure out what to do

catch your attacker off-guard

Staying Safe Online

Teens need to protect themselves online.

The Internet is a useful resource, but it can also be a dangerous place.

Staying Safe Online

Tips for Staying Safe Online

Keep your identity private.

Keep online relationships online.

Don’t respond to inappropriate messages.

Let your parents or guardians know what you’re doing online.

Coping with Cyberbullies

About 40 percent of teens say they have experienced cyberbullying.

CyberbullyingCruel or hurtful online contact

Coping with Cyberbullies

Cyberbullies can be people you know or strangers.

 

Cyberbullying can range from immature and annoying to threatening and scary.

Coping with Cyberbullies

Tips for Coping with Cyberbullies

Be careful how you communicate online.

Follow Web site rules for postings.

Be careful how you word your messages.

Don’t respond to hurtful messages.

Avoiding Internet Predators

Keep your identity private, and don’t agree to meet in person with someone you’ve met online.

Avoiding Internet Predators

If you ever find yourself in an online conversation that makes you feel uncomfortable or threatened—for any reason—log off and let a trusted adult know about the incident.

After You ReadReviewing Facts and Vocabulary

Park in a well-lit area, lock your car, check the car for intruders before getting in, and lock the doors as soon as you get in.

1. What steps can you take to protect yourself from an attack when entering or leaving a car?

After You ReadReviewing Facts and Vocabulary

2. Name two threats you may encounter on the Internet.

Cyberbullying and Internet predators

After You ReadReviewing Facts and Vocabulary

3. How can you avoid becoming the target of a cyberbully?

Sample answer: Be careful how you communicate online.