Safety rules aren't just guidelines, they're potential lifesavers for your child in today's increasingly complex world. As parents, we often focus on physical safety through childproofing our homes, but we sometimes overlook teaching our children how to protect themselves when we're not around.
In fact, equipping your child with age-appropriate safety knowledge is one of the most important gifts you can give them. These aren't just skills for rare emergency situations; they're everyday tools that build confidence, independence, and resilience. Importantly, teaching these essential safety rules doesn't mean scaring your child—instead, it empowers them to navigate their world with awareness and confidence.
This guide covers the five fundamental safety categories every child should understand in 2026, from knowing their personal information to recognizing unsafe situations. By teaching these concepts early and reinforcing them regularly, you're providing your child with protection that extends far beyond your immediate supervision.
Teach Them Who They Are and Where They Belong
The foundation of child safety begins with identity knowledge—children who understand who they are and where they belong have a critical advantage during emergencies. Teaching your child these basics creates both safety and a sense of connection to their family and home.
1. Memorize full name, address, and phone number
Children should learn their full name, address, and phone number as early as possible, ideally between ages 5-7 when they're developmentally ready for this information 1. This fundamental knowledge becomes a lifeline if they ever get separated from you or need help. You should also keep this information readily available if they need to call 911 or a sitter needs to call for help.
Making memorization fun rather than stressful improves retention. Try these effective techniques:
- Create memory aids: Turn phone numbers into songs using familiar tunes like "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" or develop rhymes for addresses 21
- Use visual reinforcement: Have children practice writing their address regularly in journals or draw pictures of their home labeled with the correct information 1
- Practice through play: Set up a pretend mailbox where they can "mail" letters with their address written on them 3
- Incorporate movement: Have children clap or march while reciting their information to engage muscle memory 1
- Use repetition strategically: Review this information frequently in different situations while driving, during dinner, or as part of bedtime routines 2
Less than half of parents have emergency contact information posted in accessible locations 4, so create a visual reference by writing this information in large print and placing it where your child can see it regularly. A few great options are on the refrigerator and near a phone.
2. Know a backup contact person
Having a backup contact is essential, someone your child can call if they can't reach you directly during an emergency. Furthermore, this person should ideally live nearby and be familiar with your child's routines.
Dr. Hill recommends establishing clear pathways for emergency assistance by designating neighbors or nearby family members as backup contacts 4. Consequently, this creates multiple layers of protection rather than relying on a single point of contact.
Additionally, ensure your backup contacts understand their role and have copies of important documents. Create a portable file with:
- Birth certificates
- Immunization records
- Family phone numbers/addresses
- Emergency contacts 5
3. Understand when and how to share this info
Equally important to knowing personal information is understanding when to share it and when not to. Children need clear guidelines about information protection:
When to share: With trusted adults like teachers, public safety like Firefighters, Police and EMS, or store employees if they're lost. With emergency responders when calling 911.
When not to share: Children should never disclose their full name, address, phone number, or other personal details to strangers online 67. Teach them to recognize that texts, emails, and social media messages aren't always from who they claim to be 7.
Practice through role-playing various scenarios where someone might ask for their information. This builds confidence in their ability to discern appropriate times to share personal details.
Teach your child that their personal information belongs to them and is valuable, similar to how you'd teach them about protecting physical possessions. This concept of information ownership creates a foundation for good digital citizenship as they grow older.
Set Boundaries for Their Body and Personal Space
Beyond knowing personal information, children must understand the boundaries of their physical selves. Teaching body autonomy isn't just about protection—it builds confidence and healthy relationships throughout life.
1. Learn about good touch and bad touch
Teaching children about different types of touches creates a foundation for bodily safety. However, experts recommend using the terms "safe" and "unsafe" touches rather than "good" or "bad" to remove guilt and moral confusion. This approach helps children make clearer distinctions about appropriate physical contact.
Safe touches make children feel cared for, supported, and secure, like hugs that express love or high-fives celebrating accomplishments. Unsafe touches hurt children's bodies or feelings, such as hitting, pushing, or pinching. Unwanted touches might be safe in nature but are ones the child doesn't desire from a particular person or at that moment.
The swimsuit rule offers an easy-to-understand guideline: private body parts are those covered by a swimsuit. Teach children that no one should touch, photograph, or show these areas, with specific exceptions for parents during bathing/changing and doctors during medical exams.
2. Say no to uncomfortable situations
Body autonomy means empowering children to refuse physical contact—even with family members. Indeed, teaching children they can assertively say "no" equips them with confidence to express boundaries and protect themselves from potential harm.
When kids understand they control their bodies, they naturally learn to:
- Hold up their hands to stop unwanted touch
- Step aside or turn away
- Walk or run away from uncomfortable situations
Practice phrases they can use: "No," "Stop," "I don't want to be touched." For younger children, simply teaching them to say "no" or shake their head works effectively. Role-playing with toys can help them practice these responses.
3. Know that secrets about the body are not okay
Children must understand the distinction between healthy and unhealthy secrets. A surprise party is an acceptable secret because it will eventually be revealed and makes people happy. Nevertheless, secrets about touching private parts are never appropriate. This is why we have always distinguished between secrets and surprises.
Specifically, teach children these body safety rules:
- No one should ask them to keep secrets about their bodies
- It's never okay for someone to show them photos or videos of people without clothes
- They should tell a trusted adult immediately if anyone asks them to keep body secrets
Remember that most cases of child abuse come from people the child knows, making this rule particularly important.
4. Understand that their body belongs to them
Essentially, children need to learn early that they are "the boss of their body." This powerful concept builds a foundation for healthy boundaries throughout life.
Demonstrate respect for their autonomy by asking permission before touching them and encouraging others to do the same. For instance, before giving a bath or washing hair, explain what you're doing and why: "I'm going to wash your hair now to keep it clean."
Model this behavior by respecting when they say "no" to physical affection. When you immediately stop tickling after they ask, explain why: "I'm stopping because you asked me to. I respect what your body is telling you." This reinforces that their feelings about their bodies matter.
Help children identify their "safety team". These are trusted adults they can approach if they ever feel uncomfortable about a body-related situation. This creates multiple pathways to protection beyond just relying on parents.
Prepare for Emergencies Before They Happen
Emergencies don't announce themselves in advance, which is why preparing your child to respond appropriately is a crucial life skill. Teaching emergency protocols creates confidence that can prevent panic when seconds matter most.
1. What to do if they get lost
The first rule for a lost child is simple: STOP. Teach children to stand tall and stay in a safe, visible spot rather than wandering around looking for you 8. Moving around in panic only makes reuniting more difficult.
After stopping, instruct your child to look for safe helpers. The ideal person is a mother with children nearby, as they're generally the safest strangers to approach 8. Alternatively, uniformed personnel like store employees or police officers make good helpers. Practice this when you are in the store asking them who they would look for if they were lost and point out different employees or police if they are around.
Create designated meeting places whenever you visit larger locations like shopping malls or amusement parks 8. Practice this routine by:
- Pointing out meeting spots upon arrival at new places
- Role-playing lost scenarios at home
- Reassuring them they won't be in trouble for getting lost
Moreover, teach children it's acceptable to yell loudly—even in normally quiet places—when they're lost 8. This increases the chances of you hearing them or attracting appropriate assistance.
2. How and when to call 911
Explain that 911 is only for true emergencies when someone needs immediate help 9. Clear examples include:
- Fires
- Someone unconscious or having trouble breathing
- Serious accidents
- Witnessing a crime
Although children may feel nervous about calling 911, assure them the emergency operators regularly speak with kids and will guide them 9. Practice what information to share: their name, location, and the nature of the emergency 9.
Firstly, ensure your child can unlock your phone if needed 10. Create a phone simulator at home to practice the motions without actually calling. Of course, emphasize that prank calls are never acceptable and can prevent real emergencies from getting help 9.
3. Fire safety basics
Home fires are particularly dangerous for children, who are twice as likely as adults to die in these situations 11. Fortunately, proper preparation significantly increases survival chances.
Essential fire safety skills include:
- Recognizing smoke alarm sounds and understanding their meaning
- Knowing two escape routes from every room in your home
- Practicing the family fire escape plan at least twice yearly 11
- Learning to crawl low under smoke
- Memorizing the "get out, stay out" rule—never returning to a burning building 11
Teach children the "stop, drop, roll, and cover their face" technique if their clothes catch fire 12. Additionally, keep matches and lighters secured away from children's reach, as the U.S. Fire Administration estimates 300 deaths and $280 million in property damage occur annually from children playing with fire 11.
4. Water safety rules
Water presents significant dangers, with children able to drown in as little as one inch of water 13. Teach children to always swim with a partner and that young swimmers should remain within arm's reach of an adult 13. With your young children always make sure you are watching them and are not distracted, it only takes a few seconds for them to end up under the water.
Above all, emphasize the importance of adult supervision around any water. The "Swim as a Pair With a Lifeguard There" rule reinforces this concept 14. Simultaneously, establish clear boundaries around pools, beaches, and other water areas.
Additional water safety fundamentals include:
- Looking before leaping into any body of water
- Wearing properly fitted life jackets when boating 14
- Recognizing pool drain dangers 14
- Staying between lifeguard flags at beaches 15
- Never turning their back on ocean waves 15
Teach Them to Spot Unsafe Situations
Teaching children to recognize dangerous situations empowers them with crucial judgment skills that go beyond memorized rules. Unlike the outdated "stranger danger" concept, today's approach focuses on identifying unsafe behaviors from anyone, including people they know.
1. Don't go anywhere with a stranger
Children should understand they need permission before going anywhere with anyone. Research shows that predators commonly try to lure children by offering rides, asking for help finding lost pets, or promising treats 16. Teach your child that adults should ask other adults for help, not children. Practice phrases like "I can't go with you until I check with my mom/dad/teacher" and walking away confidently 17.
2. Don't accept gifts or food from strangers
Manipulation often begins with seemingly innocent gifts. In reality, dangerous people use these tactics to build trust and create secrecy 16. Make it clear that accepting candy, toys, or food from someone they don't know—or without your permission—is against family safety rules 18. Role-play scenarios where someone offers treats, helping children practice polite but firm refusals.
3. Don't climb fences or wander off alone
Setting physical boundaries helps prevent dangerous situations. Explain that fences exist for protection, whether keeping dangers out or marking unsafe areas 18. Teach children never to retrieve items that go over fences without adult help. Similarly, make it clear they should never leave your yard or supervised areas alone 18. If your child is a climber, make sure you have an audible chime in your house to let you know if a door was opened and your child might have left the house.
4. Recognize unsafe adults—even if they seem nice
The most important shift in safety education: 93% of harm to children comes from people they already know 16. Teach children to recognize "tricky people" through their behaviors, not appearance. Warning signs include adults who ask children to keep secrets, encourage breaking family rules, make them feel uncomfortable, or ask for help instead of seeking assistance from other adults 19. Explain that unsafe people might seem friendly at first but display these concerning behaviors over time.
Help Them Trust Their Feelings and Speak Up
Intuition serves as a child's internal safety system. A built-in guide that helps them navigate potential dangers. Teaching children to trust this inner voice creates an essential layer of protection beyond physical safety rules.
1. Listen to their gut feeling
Everyone has intuition—that instinctive feeling when something seems wrong 6. Help your child recognize physical sensations like tense muscles or queasy stomachs as potential warning signals 6. Avoid dismissing their concerns with phrases like "don't be silly" which teaches them to ignore these valuable internal alerts 20.
2. Say no even if others say yes
Prepare children to resist peer influence by practicing refusal skills. Teach them to speak in a strong, determined voice—not yelling or whispering 21. Role-play scenarios where friends suggest breaking rules, helping them practice phrases like "No thanks, that's not something I want to do" 22.
3. Always tell a trusted adult
A trusted adult listens without judgment, respects privacy (within safety limits), and responds calmly even when upset 23. Help your child identify multiple trustworthy people, creating a "safety team" they can approach if uncomfortable 24. Explain that while trusted adults protect confidentiality, they may need to share information if safety is at risk 25.
4. No one should ask them to keep secrets
Distinguish between safe surprises that eventually make people happy versus unsafe secrets that feel burdensome 26. Establish a clear family rule: problems should never be secrets 2. Teach children that any secret about touching, presents, or private body parts must be shared immediately 2.
Conclusion
Raising safe children requires more than childproofing homes. It demands equipping them with knowledge that protects them when you're not present. Therefore, consider these safety rules as essential life skills rather than occasional lessons. Your child needs regular practice with these concepts just as they need consistent practice with reading or mathematics.
Safety education works best when approached naturally through everyday conversations rather than through frightening warnings. Additionally, children learn most effectively when lessons incorporate play, songs, and role-playing activities that make safety engaging rather than anxiety-inducing.
Although discussions about body boundaries and unsafe situations might feel uncomfortable, postponing them creates vulnerability. The earlier children understand these concepts, the better protected they become. After all, safety education builds confidence. Children who understand dangers and appropriate responses develop self-assurance that extends far beyond physical protection.
Remember that these safety conversations evolve as your child grows. Simple concepts introduced during preschool years expand into more nuanced discussions during elementary school and beyond. Certainly, your guidance must adapt as your child's world expands from home to school, activities, and eventually digital spaces.
Children who know their personal information, understand body boundaries, recognize emergency protocols, identify unsafe situations, and trust their instincts possess powerful tools for navigating an increasingly complex world. Thus, these safety rules represent one of the most valuable gifts you can provide—knowledge that potentially saves lives while simultaneously building independence, confidence, and resilience for years to come.
This article is for general education and does not replace medical advice. If you think your child is in danger or needs urgent help, call 911 right away.
Hi — I’m Jeremy Manke, founder of The Life Safety Pro. I’m a Firefighter/Paramedic and a CPR/First Aid instructor. I teach safety in a calm, simple way so families feel ready, not scared.
Quick FAQ
What age should kids learn their address and phone number?
Many kids can start learning it around ages 5–7, but you can start practicing earlier in small steps.
What should my child do first if they get lost in a store?
Teach them to STOP, stay in one safe spot, and ask a store employee or a parent with kids for help.
How do I teach safety without scaring my child?
Keep it simple, practice through play, and focus on “what to do” instead of scary stories.
What’s the most important rule of all?
If something feels wrong, they should leave the situation and tell a trusted adult.
References
[1] - https://luckylittlelearners.com/how-to-help-kids-learn-their-address-and-phone-number/
[2] - https://www.kidpower.org/library/article/safe-unsafe-secrets/
[3] - https://lastingthumbprints.com/8-ways-to-teach-children-their-address-and-phone-number/
[4] - https://mottpoll.org/blog/2017-12-21/babysitting-roundup
[5] - https://www.4cforchildren.org/about/whats-new/whats-your-child-care-backup-plan/
[6] - https://personalexcellence.org/raising-worldchangers-blog/how-to-teach-your-teen-to-trust-their-intuition
[7] - https://www.aura.com/learn/how-to-protect-your-child-from-identity-theft
[8] - https://www.brightonco.gov/DocumentCenter/View/11299/Lost-Child-Education?bidId=
[9] - https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/911.html
[10] - https://www.verizon.com/support/teach-kids-how-to-dial-911/
[11] - https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/fire-safety-for-kids.html?srsltid=AfmBOooJSNduAxIpFMOMPfHY9x7ve679cB-P-v2pCeinbArtQpJ88Hm3
[12] - https://www.monroecounty-fl.gov/951/Fire-Safety-for-Kids
[13] - https://www.safekids.org/tip/water-safety-tips-home
[14] - https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/water-safety/water-safety-for-kids.html?srsltid=AfmBOoofq_m5W8DyJ51bATHgwK52FvIAuLm7e9nuq9h88fNGsAgYrtuF
[15] - https://www.safesplash.com/blog/does-your-child-know-these-12-water-safety-rules
[16] - https://www.parents.com/kids-who-know-how-to-avoid-danger-do-these-10-key-things-11702872
[17] - https://www.missingkids.org/education/kidsmartz
[18] - https://elginil.gov/DocumentCenter/View/76436/Safety-Tips-for-Children
[19] - https://www.stopitnow.org/ohc-content/warning-signs-adult-at-risk
[20] - https://genmindful.com/blogs/mindful-moments/teaching-children-to-trust-their-intuition?srsltid=AfmBOop0CG7piQD6_430bfY2lFrnCWWAW4rpmu4yXH0LsvGFCPdHC4gs
[21] - https://micheleborba.com/articles/10-ways-to-help-kids-to-really-say-no-and-buck-peer-pressure/
[22] - https://wellspringprevention.org/blog/helping-kids-combat-peer-pressure/
[23] - https://www.yptherapy.com/blog/the-power-of-talking-why-finding-a-trusted-adult-can-make-a-difference
[24] - https://nurturedfirst.com/toddler/no-secret-keeping/
[25] - https://www.nami.org/kids-teens-and-young-adults/be-a-trusted-adult-for-young-people-in-your-life/
[26] - https://www.childrensadvocacyproject.org/blog/81-secret-vs-surprise
