Tips for Teens

  • DO NOT RUN AWAY FROM HOME. If things are impossible at home, speak to your teacher or your counselor about it. They will help you. TALK IT OVER WITH A FRIEND WHO CARES. If you feel you have no friends that can help, find a crisis centre in your town. They are there to help, not judge.
  • Be careful of offers of friendship from strangers. When you are lonely and unhappy, it is easier to be misled by signs of affection from strangers.
  • Do not accept job offers that seem too good to be true. Use legitimate channels such as Student Placement Offices for your part-time jobs. Check all references.
  • Do not accept offers to take your photograph & make you famous. Report such offers at home or to police.
  • Do not get into cars with strangers for any reason or get near enough to occupied vehicles to be grabbed. DO NOT HITCHHIKE.
  • Travel in a group or with a friend.
  • Do not go into remote areas at night.
  • Do not take dares to do foolish things.
  • Tell your parents where you are going to be and let them know when your plans change.
  • Do not baby-sit in a home for people you do not know.
  • If anyone touches you in a way that makes you uncomfortable – TELL.
  • Report any incident of attempted molestation or if someone is hanging around your school or recreation areas. Learn to give a good description.
  • Remember, IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT if someone has bothered you, so do not be afraid to tell. Doing so can protect you and others.
  • Do not linger alone in unsupervised areas – leave with your friends.
  • Do not open the door to strangers and do not tell people you are alone.
  • Do not accept offers of drink, cigarettes or drugs.
  • A date doesn’t give someone the right to touch you or be physically demanding. Your body belongs to you. You have the right to say “NO”.