15 Essential Safety Rules for Kids

Keeping a child safe isn’t a one-time talk, it’s a system. These simple rules help children feel more confident and help parents feel more at ease.

🔸 Personal Space and the Body

Every child should know: their body belongs to them. The ability to protect personal boundaries and trust their instincts is a lifelong skill.

Core rules:

• Know and protect personal boundaries. A child should understand that their body is their own, and only they can decide who touches it and when. They have the right to say “no” to any touch, even from someone close or from a doctor.
• Understand that saying “no” isn’t rude. If something feels uncomfortable, they can refuse. It’s not misbehavior, it’s self-respect.
• Recognize boundary violations. If a touch feels awkward, tense, or just off, it’s a sign to be cautious and talk to a trusted adult.
• Never show their body without a real need. Even if it’s a doctor online or a “friend” from social media, it’s not safe.
• Reach out when something feels wrong. Even if they’re scared, embarrassed, or unsure, parents are there to help and protect them.

🔸 Emotions and Inner Signals

A child might not always understand what’s happening, but they can often feel that something is wrong. Help them learn to trust that feeling and talk about it.

Core rules:

• Pay attention to feelings of unease. Intuition is important. Even if nothing bad seems to be happening, that feeling is enough to stop and think.
• Tell an adult about bad secrets. If a secret feels scary or makes them feel guilty, they should never keep it to themselves.
• Say “no” when something feels wrong. Feeling scared, pressured, or uncomfortable is always a valid reason to stop or leave a situation.

🔸 Online Safety and Devices

The internet is full of fun and risks. Kids need to know how to protect their data and what to do if someone crosses the line online.

Core rules:

• Keep personal information private. Talk to your child about not sharing their address, school name, photos, or location with strangers online.
• Only share info with trusted people. That includes parents, close family, or friends, and only through secure apps like Findmykids.
• Don’t talk to strangers online. Even if someone seems like a peer, it’s best to check with a parent before replying.
• Be careful with voices and photos. Explain that AI can fake voices and images, even familiar ones.
• Set a family code word. This can help tell real messages from fake ones, and give kids peace of mind.
• Take screenshots and ask for help. Teach your child how to take a screenshot if someone sends something strange or scary. Let them know they can always come to you, and you’ll figure it out together.

🔸 Safety Outside the Home

At school, in the park, or at the mall—situations can come up. Prepared kids stay calmer and safer.

Core rules:

• Never go with a stranger. No matter the excuse—gifts, stories, or persuasion—only go somewhere with a parent’s permission.
• Know what to do if they get lost. Stay in place and look for a safe adult like someone in uniform or a parent with kids.
• Plan a safe route. Discuss the path to school or other regular places. Agree on safe spots and people they can ask for help. Apps like Findmykids can send you updates about your child’s movements, like on the way to school and back.
• React if someone is following them. Go where there are people. Call a trusted adult. Shout. Ask for help loudly and clearly.

🔸 Communication and Support

Mistakes and tough moments happen to everyone. What matters most is that a child knows they don’t have to face it alone.

• Don’t stay silent—ask for help. A child should know they won’t be left alone, even if they’ve made a mistake or are in a hard situation. Let them know you’ll always be there.

These 15 rules help your child feel more secure, and help you feel more at ease. You’re already doing so much to keep your child safe. And we’re here to support you whenever you need it.

References:

• Kids Who Know How to Avoid Danger Do These 10 Key Things, Parents, 2025
• 10 Ways to Teach Children to Speak Up About Sexual Abuse, Child Mind Institute, 2024
• Keeping Children Safe Online, UNICEF, 2024