Alberta RCMP encourages families to discuss personal safety with children

Media Release - Alberta RCMP

With the arrival of warmer weather, children in Alberta are spending more time outdoors, prompting the Alberta RCMP to encourage parents and guardians to talk to their kids about personal safety. These conversations help build children’s confidence in recognizing unsafe situations and making informed choices. Alberta RCMP emphasizes the importance of teaching children to trust their instincts and seek help when something feels wrong.

Key safety tips shared by the RCMP include reminding kids never to go anywhere with strangers, even if the person seems friendly or asks for help. Children should be empowered to say no to any request that makes them uncomfortable and be encouraged to talk to a trusted adult right away if they feel uneasy. Parents are also advised to teach their children to always check in before going anywhere or accepting anything from someone they don’t know.

To reinforce safety, families can implement practical tools such as a “family password” for unexpected pick-ups. Identifying safe adults like teachers or neighbors, encouraging kids to stick with friends or siblings while outside, and reviewing common walking or biking routes are also recommended. If a child has a phone, parents should utilize location-sharing features like Apple Family Sharing or Google Family Link and ensure children know how to call emergency services, provide personal information, and describe their location.

The RCMP also suggests practicing different scenarios with children through “what would you do if…” conversations to better prepare them for unexpected situations. These proactive steps aim to help children enjoy their time outdoors while staying aware and safe.

For ongoing safety updates and information, families are encouraged to follow Alberta RCMP on social media platforms: Facebook @RCMPinAlberta