How to respond if a stranger approaches, how to stay safe online and the importance of identifying potentially harmful products were just some of the subjects tackled during a recent community safety initiative.

Pupils from across Basingstoke and Deane, Hart and Rushmoor learnt a series of life skills to help keep them safe as part of a project, called ‘Think Safe’, organised by the Safer North Hampshire* community safety team and the local councils.

The youngsters spent time with Hampshire Fire and Rescue, Hampshire Constabulary, Hampshire County Council, The You Trust, the Royal Military Police and the Community Patrolling Team, among others, learning through taking part in a series of interactive scenarios involving fire safety, cyber safety, trading standards, first aid, road safety, healthy relationships and stranger danger.

All Year 6 students (aged between ten and 11 years old) from schools across the area were invited to attend the week-long event, which is run annually every summer.

Councillor Ken Muschamp, Chairman of Safer North Hampshire, said: “We are grateful to all of the organisations who volunteered their time to teach young people about these important life skills which could, one day, help to save a life.

“The sessions were lively and well-supported, and hopefully, the participants will remember what they have learnt and pass them on.”

The following social media, online safety and stranger-danger safety measures were highlighted during the recent sessions:
On social media:
• think carefully about the images, videos and content that you share.
• remember that if you wouldn’t do or say it in the real world, don’t do it online.
• set your privacy settings to the highest level and check them regularly as updates can affect settings.
• don’t add or accept requests from people you don’t know.

To help stay safe online:

Talking to your child is one of the best ways to keep them safe online. By understanding the risks and keeping yourself up-to-date on the latest technology, websites and social networks you can help your child enjoy the internet safely and securely.
To help protect your children online:
• keep computers and games consoles in family rooms where you can monitor activity.
• install parental control software or activate parental controls through your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to prevent access to inappropriate content.
• ‘friend’ or ‘follow’ your child on social networking sites, so you can see how they are using them.
• check they are old enough to join any websites or social networks with age restrictions.
• advise your child not to post personal information or any images they wouldn’t want everyone to see.
• avoid using webcams unless talking to close friends or family and consider covering it when not in use.
• monitor their usage and be watchful for any secretive behaviour.
• encourage your child to be open about what they do online and who they’re talking to.
• offer to go with them if they wish to meet online friends.
• ensure the games your child plays online are age-appropriate.

The following tips may help to avoid stranger- danger, especially at night:

• plan how you are going to get home.
• never walk home on your own, walk with friends or call a taxi.
• stay with your friends, you are more likely to be a target on your own.
• if you must walk alone, avoid shortcuts and stick to busy areas.
• keep your mobile phone charged.
• have your house keys ready before you reach the door.
• try not to drink too much.
• be wary of accepting drinks from strangers.
• never leave your drink unattended.
• make sure someone knows where you are and when to expect you back.