Bergen County’s Dojo Yoshitsune Offers Children’s Safety TIps

Editor’s note: The following excerpt is taken from “Streetwise Safety for Children” by Michael DePasquale, Jr. In addition to being an author, Michael is a master martial artist who owns Yoshitsune Dojo in River Vale New Jersey. Soke DePasquale’s reputation has earned him respect from thousands of martial artists around the country and even overseas. Many of the children he has trained over the years have became instructors themselves – all tributes to his skill and commitment. For more information on Children’s classes, please contact Michael directly at 201-666-7100. Until then, please read the following piece and be sure to share with your child.

Recognizing Potential Dangers To And From School

WHEN GOING TO SCHOOL

School is not home! When your children are out of the house in the outside world they must remember at all times to use corn- mon sense street smarts. Teach them to be aware of their sur- roundings:to always keep one eye on the people and cars around them; to stay alert and aware. If your child is bullied, robbed, assaulted, abused, or touched in a way that he/she doesn’t feel is right, make sure he/she knows to immediately report this to you, a teacher,or a trusted adult. Children need to know that adults can help, but only if they’re asked to.

The daily routine of going to school and coming back takes about one-third of each day. Since your children are spending such a great deal of time out of your house, it’s a good idea to be aware of some of the potential dangers out there.We don’t place very much importance on our routines.We don’t think about them once they are established.This is a big mistake, because anyone who can familiarize him or herself with your routines can know your vulnerabilities.

Your child should never walk through anyone’s backyard, even if you know whose home it is.Tell children never to walk down empty side streets or alley- ways. There have been many cases of children being kidnapped or abused, last seen walking to or from school. If children do not pay attention to their surroundings, many things can go wrong. Children should follow these instructions: When walking, stay away from the side of the road, always use a sidewalk and walk facing the on-coming traffic. This way you can see the people and cars coming towards you. If you are riding your bike, don’t take short-cuts, and stay in a group.Watch out for potholes, broken glass, or other potentially dangerous objects that could cause you to injure yourself. If you’re hurt you become vulnerable.

The following walk-through will help you and your children rehearse what to do to be safe going to and from school.

WALK THROUGH ON A ONE DAY SECURITY EXPERIENCE

1. Have books and lunch together in one bag.

2. Is your bag closed? Is your personal ID in there, so you can identify it if it becomes mixed up with someone else’s?

3. Do you have change (at least 2 quarters) for an emergency phone call?

4. Are your sneakers securely laced? Are the laces in good condition? It is very difficult to runwith broken shoelaces or unlaced shoes.

5. Memorize your home telephone number and your father’s and mother’s office numbers.

6.Learn the location of the police station, fire station, and other locations such as a hospital, town hall or library. If running away from a stranger, you would have the advantage if you knew these locations.

7. Maintain a distance of at least 10 feet from adults you don’t know.

8. If an adult calls you and asks that you go to them, do not get closer than 10 feet from them!

9. If an adult attempts to grab you, scream out “THIS IS NOT MY FATHER/MOTHER!” as loud as you can and fight to get yourself released.

10. If an adult says, “Come with me, I am a policeman,” remember to stand at least 10 feet away and tell them to come back in a police uniform and a police car. Always remember that the police, your parents, your school teachers and other authority figures want you to act this way.

11. Never leave school with a stranger.

12. Do not hitchhike to or from school.

13. Always report all crimes to the main office of school.

14. Keep all your lockers locked. Do not give your combination to anyone.

15. Never take a lot of cash or valuables to school.

16.Make sure your parents know when you leave school