KEEPING

OUR CHILD SAFE

a BVM initiative
Part 1 - Family

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION:

SAFETY- THE NEED OF THE HOUR:

SAFETY AT HOME:

SAFETY WITH CARE GIVERS AND HELPERS:

SAFETY WITH STRANGERS:

SAFETY DURING RECREATION:

SAFETY DURING TRAVEL:

SAFETY AT SCHOOL:

SAFETY WITH PEERS:

10

BULLY PROOFING YOUR CHILD:

11

UNDERSTANDING SAFE TOUCH

12

CYBER SAFETY

14

SAFETY FROM SUBSTANCE USE:

16

SAFETY FROM GAMING ADDICTIONS:

17

CONCLUSION:

18

INTRODUCTION
It is our
responsibility, as
parents and
teachers, to
safeguard our
children and to
teach them the
skills to be safe

Children

are

SAFETY- THE NEED OF THE HOUR

our

nations

precious resource, but children often lack the

skills

to

protect

themselves.

It

is

The world today is becoming more complex and unsafe and there

most

our

responsibility, as parents and teachers, to

safeguard our children and to teach them the
skills to be safe.
According to the National crimes bureau,

are a number of potential threats for children. The importance to educate

children on threats they might encounter has become the need of the hour.
Of the total number of cases report, 54.2% were related to kidnapping,
abduction of children, while 44.7% were related to rape. Whether at home,
at school, with peers, care givers or online, children are in constant touch
with strangers and hence need to be sensitized about circumstances in
which their physical, mental and emotional safety might be threatened or

58,224 cases were reported under the crimes

challenged and to develop strategies on how to handle these situations.

against children category in 2013, a 52.5% rise

The various factors that may contribute to the rise in crime against

from the previous year, according to a June

children:

2014 report. It is important that we prepare our

children mentally and physically to face the
challenges of the world of today.

Rapid increase in migrant population/ increase in citys population

Increase in the number of cases where both the parents are working and
the child is left home alone.

Though we cannot monitor our children always,

we can take simple precautions and provide

Increase in the frequency and number of hours the child has to stay
with a care taker.

them with the right knowledge which would

Lack of safety measures in public areas.

protect them in any scenario.

Exposure to violence and aggression of all sorts e.g. through gaming

Lack of stringent laws against abusers.

Social networking, mobile phone and cyber usages

3

SAFETY AT HOME
worldwide

Ensure stairways are well lit and have rails.

problems. In the US alone, 98,000 children were

Close gas stoves, burners, and any electrical appliances after use.

treated for burn injuries caused at home, 100,00

Keep protective padding around sharp furniture edges and tables.

due to scalding injuries and for every 10 poison

Unplug appliances when not in use and seal the unused plug points.

Domestic

accidents

are

Do not leave a socket open.

exposures in children, 9 were at home. In the

Home, is where
we teach them
primary rules
for being safe
and making it a
part of their
value system
itself

process of safeguarding our children, we must

not over look the home environment. It is

essential to discuss and implement some key

from children.

rules and guidelines to ensure safety at home.

Scissors, nail cutters, knives, blades, match

box, lighters, stapler etc. must be kept in
locked drawers or cupboards & if possible, at
a height not reachable by children. Such
sharp objects must be handled safely and
stored back in its shelves immediately after
its use.

Teach the child to handle hot items safely

Keep small children away from wet and

slippery floors

Install grills and safety locks in balconies and

windows

Keep all the medicines, cleaning chemicals completely out of reach

Do not leave the child unattended in an elevator, car park, basement,

terrace or any secluded places near and around your house.

Teach the child to be safe from pets. Vaccinate your pets and instruct
the child not to disturb or harm the pet when it is eating or sleeping.

Establish a no smoking rule at home. Avoid children getting affected

passively.

Teach the child not to open the door for anybody they dont know at
all times, when alone or even if the parents are home.

Regularly communicate with children about unusual encounters or any

events that make them uncomfortable

Children should be taught how to lock and unlock all the doors

Instruct the child not to reveal any information that they are alone at
home if someone calls or even at school/class they might be enrolled
in. Ask the child to attend the phone call, take a message and sound
confident.
4

SAFETY WITH PAID CARE GIVERS

Drivers, maids, security guards, people
who

deliver

newspaper,

milk,

care giver, to ensure safety and caring of the child.

groceries,

laundry, etc are all people whom we interact

Train the children not to reveal any personal information including

travel plans, being alone, vital information such as bank details, etc.

that the parents take utmost care in choosing and

As both parents
work, and the child
is left alone with
care givers, it is
vital that the
parents take utmost
care in choosing
and monitoring
them.

Do not discuss any confidential information in front of the care

givers.

with on a daily basis. As both parents work, and

the child is left alone with care givers, it is vital

Give surprise visits to your house when the child is alone with the

monitoring them. Given below are some ways of

Do not leave money or jewellery unattended

being careful with caregivers:

Know your neighbours. Often, we leave the keys or ask the

neighbour to take care of the child. Before that, ensure that we have
Obtain a valid identity of the care giver

a positive relationship with them.

before appointing them.

Do a reference check with the care givers

relatives or from a former employee.

Discuss discipline; what actions will the care

giver take to discipline your child? And
check whether its consistent with your
methods.

Inform care givers about any medical

conditions of the child and train them with
first aid

Post emergency contact numbers and make

sure they have access to that number.
5

SAFETY WITH STRANGERS

A stranger is a person whom the child

There are many

instances in which
they have to meet
strangers such as ,
on the way to the
school or from
school, on the road,
public places, malls,
etc.

riding to and from school.

has never met before and does not know any

information about. There are many instances in

Ask the child to always be in groups (2 or more) when walking or

Tell the child that if an adult approaches you for help or directions to

which they have to meet strangers such as, on

remember that grownups needing help should not ask children for

the way to the school, from school, on the road,

help; they should ask other adults.

public places, malls, etc. Given below are ways

with offers you a ride, say NO.

of educating our child to be safe with strangers:

Ask the child to always be in groups (2 or

phone or to a stranger.

while waiting at the bus stop.

Know where your child is at all times.

Discuss your childs plan for the day, their

stray away from regular plans.

all times

Inform the children that if someone follows you, get away from him or
her as quickly as they can. Always be sure that the child TELLS you or
a trusted adult about what happened.

Teach them safe locations. A safe location can be a school, library,

police station, store, or neighbour's house, anywhere that they can find

Make sure they know your mobile number,

work number, so that they can reach you at

Taking any snacks, candies, medicines, money or any gifts from

strangers should be strictly prohibited.

school timings, activities, etc. Teach them to

ask you permission every time they need to

Children should be taught not to reveal any personal information about

themselves or their family (their name, address, school) over the

more) when walking or riding to and from

school. He/she should stay with a group

Tell the child that if someone you dont know or feel uncomfortable

a responsible adult or lots of people.

Assure the child not to worry about being impolite or breaking rules if
a stranger tries to take them with them. Tell them that it is ok to
scream, fight, run away or do anything that will keep them safe.
6

SAFETY DURING RECREATION

Children get hurt day in and out when

Because children
are still developing
physically and are
less able to assess
risks it is important
that adults manage
risks for them and
insist they follow
important safety
rules when taking
part in sport and
recreation
activities.

Children who do not wear or use protective equipment are at an

they are playing. It is very essential that we let

increased risk for a sport-related injury. Get the right gear for each

our children explore, experiment and evolve, but

sport, make sure it fits, and make sure the child wears it properly every

it is also important that we teach them to be

time he/she plays. Gears for protecting eyes, knees, shoulders, chin

cautious while they indulge in recreational

and elbows need to be given. Insist the child to wear it at all times

activities. Children may overlook hazards when

during play.

they are enthusiastic about the leisure activity.

Be active with the child. Fitness, conditioning, and participation in a

Because children are still developing physically

variety of sport and recreation activities reduce the risk of injury.

and are less able to assess risks. Therefore, it is

Supervise actively. Stay close enough that immediate action can be

important that adults manage risks for them and

taken if needed. Stay alert, pay close attention, and anticipate hazards.

insist they follow important safety rules when

Help children to play by the rules for safety and fun.

taking part in sport and recreation activities. To

Make sure that the childs activities are appropriate for his age,

reduce the childs risk of injury while taking

physical abilities and thinking abilities. Provide the child with

part in sports and recreation, provide the child

professional instruction in their activities, such as lessons for skating

with the following:

or swimming.

Inspect the ground at the start of each

activity to make sure the area is free of
hazards like road traffic, open water, rocks,
uneven

ground,

equipment.

and

machinery

or

If the child sustains an injury, get the approval of a sports medicine

professional before they return to their activity.

Use safeguards and supervise when they use swimming pools,

trampolines etc

Do not allow the children to play near unsafe areas such as

construction sites, bore wells , ditches, newly laid roads, adjacent to a
main road, or near a hospitals.
7

SAFETY DURING TRAVEL:

Children need assistance dealing with the traffic

Road accidents and

mishaps are on the
rise due to
carelessness, not
adhering to rules,
increase in traffic
jams, rash driving,
poor roads and
absence of strict
punishments for
breaking traffic
rules

environment

as

they

are

not

that everyone in the vehicle wear appropriate restraints for their age

equipped

and size.

developmentally to make crucial decisions to

keep them safe. Like learning to drive a car,
children need practise and experience to walk in

Talk about the importance of wearing a helmet/ seat belts and insist

Point out rules of the road when driving.

Always demonstrate responsible and safe behaviours when driving, as

the traffic environment. Road accidents and

a passenger or while walking anywhere around vehicles and roads.

mishaps are on the rise due to carelessness, not

Never leave children alone in the vehicle.

poor roads and absence of strict punishments

Practice strict adherence to road safety rules.

for breaking traffic rules. Hence educating

Tell them to use the appropriate lane while walking, cycling, driving,

adhering to rules, increase due to rash driving,

children about safety during travel becomes

essential. Here are some pointers to teach our

Instruct them to avoid deserted roads and areas, especially at nights.

Do not allow children to drive until the appropriate age.

newspaper with the child and educate them on

Do not allow children to play on roads.

road sense.

Teach children the dangers of peeping out of the moving vehicles,

children to become safer road-users:

etc.

Walk down to the local shop for groceries or the

jumping out of moving vehicles and footboard travel.

Park the car and walk around to the sports

ground, on the way explaining the observations
and choices we make to get there safely.

Remember children learn good habits by modelling behaviour from

adults

SAFETY AT SCHOOL
The child spends 8-10 hours at school

aid tips to be followed to the school authorities.

every day. Though the school strictly follows

protocols in terms of safety measures, each child

themselves, at school. Establishing ground rules

like parents or teacher.

Ask your child not to involve in any unnecessary conversation with

attenders, van/ bus drivers and security staff and to bring any such

from that person, and TELL a trusted adult

uncomfortable conversations to the school authorities.

Instruct the child not to leave the school

Talk to the child openly about what is happening in school, what

are the events and listen patiently when they share their

premises during school hours with anyone

Inform the child to report to only the school authorities at any point
in time.

Tell the child that if anyone bothers you

while in, going to or from school, get away

Tell the child to report to the school authorities about any

discomfort, hurt or pain. It is important that we do not neglect it.

essential pointers that we need to discuss with

our child, about safety at school:

Teach the child to handle equipments carefully. Chemicals,

instruments, sharp objects should be handled with utmost care.

and teaching them precautions is as important as

giving freedom to explore. Here are some

Stick to the school timings. Do not drop the child off too early or
pickup the child too late.

has to be trained to handle situations by

A child interacts,
form identities,
understands and
judges people and
learns to handle
objects by
himself/herself at
school. Establishing
ground rules and
teaching them
precautions is as
important as giving
freedom to explore.

Inform any medical condition of the child and the respective first

experiences.

other than allowed by parents.

Instruct the child to stay away from secluded places in school.

Inform the child not to leave with anybody

It is important for the student to bring to attention any issues faced,

who is not recognized by the child or

to the school authorities or parents as and when they happen.

approved by the parent.

SAFETY WITH PEERS

Children spend more time with their peers

than with parents and relatives. It is inevitable

that they have to socialize, learn to give and

It is inevitable that
they have to
socialize, learn to
give and take, and
be a part of the
whole social system

Explain why you think they are bad and reason out with them.

take, and be a part of the whole social system.

Treating our child as a friend, respecting their
autonomy and equipping them to form healthy

amicably.

pressurized by peers.

Often, children pick up myths and misconceptions about sensitive

things such as drugs, sex, puberty, marriage etc. Talk to them about

Ask the child questions about their day. Have

these issues and clarify. It is important that they know the right

they seen bullies? Have they been bullied? Keep

information.

tell you instantaneously about their experience.

Know the childs friends. Talk to their parents

and know what they are like.

Reason out with the child and establish rules about timing of going
out, duration, amount of money they spend on gifts and parties, place,

Look for warning signs drop in grades, loss

things that they do etc.

of friends etc.

Inform the child to report to a teacher or school authority if they are

information.

lines of communication open as they might not

Talk to the children as the children need

somebody whom they can trust with, with

Talk to children about being safe with friends. No fighting, giving

them suggestions on how to resolve different types of problems

to help our child form healthy interpersonal

Ensure adult supervision while sending the child to a play date, party
or sleepovers.

peer relations is vital. Given below are pointers

relationships:

If the child is trapped in bad company, do not yell or punish the child.

Listen actively without judging or jumping into conclusions when the

child shares something about peers.
10

BULLY PROOFING YOUR CHILD:

Bullying is the act of causing wilful harm to

Look for signs such as unexplained cuts or bruises, damaged book or

others by verbal harassment, physical assault,

electronics, fear to go to school or to the play area, unusual lack of

social exclusion etc. Here are some ways to

interest, anxiousness and frustration, trouble sleeping or frequent

bully proof our child

nightmares, and resistance to visit the area where bullies are more.

Difference in
opinions, culture,
age, interests etc
can lead to a drift
in this large group
thus forming small
clichs

Teach the child to respect others, no matter

the language, colour, religious preferences,

food habits, weight, height and so on.

back off dont do that.

shows that bullying often stops when they

report to the adult, but very few children do.

Follow up with the school authorities, counsellors and parents of

other kids

Do not mock or humiliate the child. Being bullied does not mean they
are weak. Teach the child that he/she owns the whole responsibility of

Assure the child that he/she is safe and

secure and to always report to us. Research

problem would be fairly handled.

Train the child to be assertive and firm.

Teach them how to say leave me alone,

Tell the child to report to the school authority and assure that any

oneself and that they have all the rights to protect themselves.

Teach the child that if anything troubles them, they can talk to you or
the school authorities. Children who bully are aggressive, and
sometimes reflect a problem at home, aggressively towards their peers.

Listen patiently and carefully when the child

Parents and teachers must look at warning signs on a daily basis of

is sharing. Listen to both sides of the story.

these aggressive students. Help them through these issues.

11

UNDERSTANDING SAFE TOUCH

There is a growing awareness

Preparing them to handle such situations by providing information,

amongst parents about the reality of

skills and safety measures is vital. Here are some ways in which we

Child Sexual Abuse - CSA. Gone

can start educating our child:

are the days when we assumed that it

There is enough
statistical data and
research about
child abuse in
India. Incidents of
small children, both
boys and girls being
subjected to
various forms of
abuse have been
steadily increasing.

does not happen in my neighbourhood.

addressing this topic. Ask them leading questions, to understand what

There is enough statistical data and

they are aware about and answer questions clearly and easily.

research about child abuse in India.

CSA includes sexual activity,

physical contact, but can also happen in

indirect ways such as taking or posting
obscene pictures of children or luring

that bad touch can happen even with family and close friends and to
be strict, vocal and report to parents/school authorities if treated in such

short term and long term negative

a manner.

consequences. It affects the childs self

relationships.

emotionally

intimate

Teach them that there are parts of their bodies that are personal and
private and it is inexcusable for anyone to touch them. Emphasize

kind of pornography. CSA can lead to

satisfying

Believe what your children tell you. Show them that you will take
action.

kids into sending their photos for any

esteem; mental health and ability to form

Discuss about the body and its functions in a healthy, free- from
shame manner.

whether or not it includes physical touch.

It does not necessarily involve direct

Prepare the child by creating a comfortable environment before

Stress on personal safety and give examples of problem situation that

may arise in school, home, public places etc and how they should
tackle it.

12

Abuse can also be physical, verbal and emotional. Talk to the child

will know. If there is a situation that the child has to go with a stranger,

questions to allow the child to understand possible solutions to issues

train the child to ask for the password.

If they feel uncomfortable, they can freely say NO because it's their

taken care of.

Do not insist that they hug or kiss their uncles and aunties if they do
not want to.

Teach the child to be bold and assertive. Often times, children do not

Read a book or tell a story based that talks about difficult subjects, that

Assure the child that it is not his/her fault and there is no need to feel

is suitable for the age of the child in words and language that they

guilty or ashamed.

would understand

Make sure your children know that if anyone touches them in unsafe

As an adult, respect your childs boundaries and they in return will

ways, it is NOT their fault. Emphasize that if they ever feel

develop the understanding of what is right and wrong when it

uncomfortable, confused, scared, worried, or upset about any type of

comes to physical contact.

touch, they should tell you or another trusted adult right away. Explain
that they would never get in trouble for doing so.

When the child asks doubts, do not ignore, scold or act ignorant. Spend
enough time, listen actively and assure the child that he/she will be

disclose due to the fear of being punished.

Explain to the children that their body belongs to them and them only.

property.

Keep a secret password or code word that only the child and the parent

about the various forms of abuse and be open about it. Ask what if

that could potentially arise.

Teach them to say NO to people whenever they are uncomfortable

with anything.

Most child molestation cases are done by someone who has developed
a close relationship to the child. Therefore, ensure the child
understands that it is OK to say a firm NO even if its a relative or
someone close to the family.

13

CYBER SAFETY

As parents, we
want to protect our
children from
negative or even
harmful
experiences
online. What is
most concerning,
perhaps, is that
teaching kids about
protecting
themselves online is
so much more
complicated than
any safety
conventions.

The Indian Information Technology

Internet makes it increasingly difficult to regulate. While the world

(Amendment) Act 2008 has considerably

wide web provides a wealth of opportunities to learn and be

strengthened provisions against

connected to people and resources, there is always the possibility

familiar

cyber crimes related to children.

The 2010 Norton

that the child will encounter the darker side of these technologies.

Online Family

Two of the most pressing concerns for a parent with a child online

Report reveals how children are spending

are potentially

more time online and have had more

inappropriate content. Given below are some important pointers

negative online experiences than parents

about cyber safety:

realise. It highlights different approaches

taken by families globally and uncovers the
emotional impact of childrens negative
online experiences.

damaging

interactions

and

exposure

Monitor the childs online activities without intimidating them.

Keep the family computer in a common area in your home.

to

Install safety locks, filters and set search engine to block content.

As parents, we want to protect our

children from negative or even harmful
experiences

online. What

is

most

Tell your children when and for how long they can go online.

Be familiar with the internet services that our children use.

When the child wants to do a project or assignment, help him/her

concerning, perhaps, is that teaching kids

about protecting themselves online is so

and monitor the sites he/she visit.

much more complicated than any safety

conventions. While there are many rules
about content posted online or access to

Stick to the regulations given in the internet sites about age,

content, safety policies etc.

certain platforms, the open nature of the

14

Ask about and get to know about your childs online friends.

Be careful when they show symptoms of addiction such as

If we find our child viewing any inappropriate content, do not

panic. Talk to the child about age appropriate activities and explain
the negative effects of such actions.

prolonged hours of internet usage, irritation when they do not have

access to internet, sudden withdrawal etc.

social networking websites may be seen by people you may not

Know how to escapeHit control-alt-delete if the site will not

know. The websites often have privacy settings that you can alter

allow you to exit.

so you can control who sees your profile and what information they
are allowed to see.

Inform the child about the hazards that can happen if they reveal
potential personal information and how they can be easily exploited
Tell the child to avoid random public chat rooms and forums

Teach the child to create a strong password and that profiles on

Tell the child not to accept friend requests from people he/she
doesn't know. Tell them to avoid misleading ads, strangers with
offers, strange e-mails, and questionable websites. Define

Prohibit the child from posting name of the school, personal

questionable websites to the child.

identification marks, address, telephone numbers and any

information that may cause harm

Ask the child to avoid posting personal photographs. The

probability of somebody else saving and morphing it is high.

Never let the child meet a person whom they met online

Ask the child to report any email, messages, chat comments, etc
that are inappropriate

15

SAFETY FROM SUBSTANCE USE

Drugs, including tobacco and alcohol,

are easily available to children and adolescents.

Children need to learn that doing something they know is wrong is

not a good way to fit in or feel accepted by others.

As a parent, you have a major impact on your

childs decision not to use drugs. Here are some

wrong, is OK, even if they are told its a means to fit in

tips for us to take this forward:

Most likely,
children in high
school have not
begun to use
alcohol, tobacco, or
any other kind of
drug. That is why
high school is a
good time to start
talking about the
dangers of drug
use.

Teach the child different ways to say No!

Provide guidance and clear rules about using

Children need to learn that NOT doing something, they know is

Remind the child that real friends do not ask friends to do risky
things like use alcohol, tobacco, or drugs.

Talk about the ill effects of drugs and substance use

When the underage child goes to a party, make sure they are safe

drugs.

Spend time with the child. Talk honestly

and under parental supervision and there is no alcohol usage.

with the child about healthy choices and

risky behaviour. Listen to what the child has
to say. Make talking and listening a habit,

Do a role play and practice. This way, it becomes natural to do at

least one of the following:

the earlier the better.

Firmly say, No!

Do not use tobacco or drugs in front of your

Give a reasonNo thanks, Im not into that. or No, my

kids, if youre in habit. Remember, you set

an example for our child.

Correct any wrong beliefs that the child

might have. Ex: everybody drinks, its ok
to try once or twice

parents would get really mad at me.

Suggest something else to do, like watch a movie or play a

game.
Leavego home, go to class

16

SAFETY FROM GAMING ADDICTIONS

TV and video games are two of the

biggest vices children have to manage. The

related games, however common they are, are proven to cause harm

problem with gaming addiction depends on the

to the childs behaviour. The aggression might cause bullying etc.

choice

of

games

and

time

spent

on

gaming/related activities. It is a childs inability

Compulsive computer use/addiction is a symptom of a larger problem

is your child having problems fitting in. Have there been recent major

to balance video games with the rest of their

The problem with

gaming addiction
depends on the
choice of games
and time spent on
gaming/related
activities.

Be watchful for the choice of games they buy and play with. Violence

changes / stress like a move or separation.

activities.

Try to wean out gradually rather than suddenly.

Recognize the signs of video game addiction. [Read Chenda Ngaks

Following tips will help

Switch to casual games - games that do not

Brilliantly illogical tweets at twitter.com/Chenda Ngak]

involve more time.

Create a reward system where the child

SYMPTOMS:

works for good grades, chores etc. in

exchange for playing video games. Diversify

PREOCCUPATION: spending a lot of time thinking about games

even when not playing

their free time.

Keep a strict schedule create structure with

Feeling restless, irritable, moody, angry,

anxious or sad when want to cut down or stop gaming.

daily tasks like homework, chores. Establish

an acceptable amount of time for gaming.

WITHDRAWAL:

TOLERANCE : need to play for increasing amount of time

REDUCE/STOP: feel that you should stop play but unable to

Take a family trip. (eg) trekking, camping,

outdoor sports, cycling, jogging, photography
etc.
17

GIVE UP OTHER ACTIVITIES: losing interest in or reduce

participation in other recreational activities

or late to school or work

Children can overlook hazards in their environment. Enthusiasm,

impulsivity and need to explore and experiment are typical characteristics

CONTINUE DESPITE PROBLEMS: continuing playing though

one is aware of the negative consequences such as not getting sleep

CONCLUSION

of them. While they are in the process of growing up and understanding

the world, we as a school and parents have a vital role in helping them
choose wisely. The first step towards safe guarding would be to make sure

DECEIVE/COVER UP: lying to family and friends on how much

we educate them on these safety rules. Most of the unfortunate accidents

you game

happen due to lack of knowledge and carelessness. This comprehensive

manual can trigger preventive actions and precautions that can reduce such

ESCAPE ADVERSE MOODS: gaming to escape or forget about

circumstances.

personal problems

RISK/LOSE RELATIONSHIP/OPPORTUNITIES: Risk or lose

Together, we can protect our children by

teaching them to be smart, strong and safe!

significant relationships, or job, educational or career opportunities

because of gaming

VIDEO LINK:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-5mdt9YN6I

What is needed is more of parental persuasions to encourage them. Try one

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aH8Rwax09A

of these video game alternatives:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KWan3N-yhM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9s4fkEb4HY

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Take the entire family outside for a walk, game or a picnic

Join a club or sports team
Enroll them in art or music or dance classes
Get a pet and give them the primary responsibility for its care
Read a good book at the library
Try an adventurous outdoor activity such as rock-climbing

REFERENCES:
http://us.norton.com/articles/?inid=us_hho_topnav_articless
http://ncrb.gov.in/
www.usaaedfoundation.org
http://www.tulir.org/

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