A useful quiz to test your knowledge about children's safety
Quiz: Safe or Unsafe?
1. Which of these are signs that a child is being abused?
a) sudden weight loss
b) bruises or burns in unusual places
c) appearing over dressed
d) appearing under dressed
e) changeable emotions such as depression or worry
f) fear of particular adults
2. What is the legal minimum age children can be left at home alone?
a) 5
b) 7
c) 10
d) 13
e) There is no minimum age.
3. What should you do if you see a distressed child in a park without her parents?
a) Do nothing; her parents are probably around somewhere.
b) Ask her why she’s upset, then call the police and report it.
c) Don’t tell anyone, just keep her with you and look for her parents.
d) Leave her alone and go to look for her parents.
4. What should you do if a child tells you he’s being abused?
a) Be cautious; he’s probably making it up.
b) Go to his house and confront his parents.
c) Let the child know how serious the situation is and contact social services.
d) Keep the information to yourself; it will probably sort itself out
e) Tell all your friends; someone might know what to do.
5. When should you start teaching children about personal safety?
a) At two or three years old.
b) When they start primary school.
c) When they start secondary school.
d) At 13 when they are more independent.
e) You shouldn’t worry; the school will teach them about it.
Answers
Q 1. Which of these are signs that a child is being abused?
A. All of these are signs that a child might be being abused. Further signs include:
Significantly changed behaviour, such as aggression or becoming withdrawn or uninterested in anything.
Becoming unusually dirty, smelly or hungry
Sexual knowledge or behaviour inappropriate for the child’s age
A child who is constantly put down, insulted, sworn at, or humiliated
Seems afraid of parents or carers
Growing up with domestic violence
A child who self-harms - for example, by cutting or burning themselves
Lashes out angrily at others
Runs away from home
Some of these signs may have a reasonable explanation. However, you should trust your instinct and if you feel that something is not right, you should act on it.
Q 2. What is the legal minimum age children can be left at home alone?
A. There is no minimum age. However, it is an offence to leave a child if you are putting him or her at risk by doing so. You should use your own judgement to decide what is acceptable. For example, take into account the age and maturity of the child, how long they will be on their own for, where they will be and whether any other children will be with them. It is never acceptable to leave a baby alone.
Q 3. What should you do if you see a distressed child in a park without her parents?
A. Ask her why she’s upset, then call the police and report it. Ask other adults nearby for help if necessary. Don’t leave until you know she’s safe.
Q 4. What should you do if a child tells you he’s being abused?
A. Let the child know how serious the situation is and contact social services.
You should be empathetic and calm, and let him know that s/he’s done the right thing by confiding in a trusted adult. Although s/he may not want you to tell anyone else about the situation, you must not keep it to yourself. If you are unsure what to do for the best, contact the NSPCC Child Protection Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or your local Social Services Department and talk to someone in confidence about what to do next. They will advise you on what steps to take. You should also contact social services, who will take appropriate action. If the child is in immediate danger, call the police.
Q 5. When should you start teaching children about personal safety?
A. At two or three years old, or as early as they can understand.
As soon as children understand, teach them their full name, address and phone number. At two or three years, you can teach children not to go off with anyone, even someone they know, without asking the person looking after them.
You should make sure they know where they can meet you if you accidently get separated, for example, at an information desk or a cash point. Let your child know who they should go to if they get lost, for example, a police officer or a shop assistant.
With older children, you should teach them safe ways of crossing the road and how to ask adults for directions.