San Jose is one of the country's safest cities, but crime, and accidents still occur here, just like everywhere else. Oftentimes we feel helpless to prevent such incidents, especially when a child is involved. But even though we can't always be there to watch over our children, there are some tips we can follow to help keep them safe.

First, it's important to talk to children about stranger safety. Kids need to remember that while a person they don't know might seem friendly, there's still a stranger. Here are a few other safety tips to share with your child. If a stranger approaches you, step away or run toward a public place such as a store, school, or fire station. If the stranger attempts to talk to you, yell “NO” as loud as you can. Immediately tell a teacher, parent, police officer, or other trusted adult what happened.

Also remember to use the buddy system. That means walking with someone you know or trust whenever possible. And stay away from areas like empty fields, creeks, and even parks unless an adult is with you.

Parents should remind their children about pedestrian safety, including crossing only at street  corners or crosswalks, and only after looking in all directions. And always remember to tell them to call 911 in an emergency. Children also face dangers online, including contact by sexual predators and scams. What can parents do to help protect their children? First, educate yourself about the Internet. Even if you don't have a computer at home, your child can access the Internet at school, at a friend's house, or the library. 

Be sure to set clear simple house rules on computer use, then post them on or near the monitor. The rule should include what hours the computer can be used and which sites can be accessed and which ones are off limits.

Place your computer in a central open location, maybe the living room or family room. Then have the monitor facing out so you can supervise Internet use. Use your browser's history to look at the websites that your children visit, and consider using software or online services that filter out offensive material you can check with your Internet service provider to see if they offer any blocking features. Create a special folder of bookmarks or favorites for your child on the computer’s browser. That way they don't have to search to find their favorite sites.

Teach your children to NEVER give out personal information. This includes names of family members, addresses, phone numbers, e-mail addresses, passwords or credit card numbers, and encourage them to tell you if anyone requests such personal information from them. Teach your children that talking to a stranger on the Internet is no different than talking to a stranger on the street.

Talk to your children about chat rooms.  Online acquaintances are strangers, and your child should never arrange to meet them in the real world, unless you give permission and know who they are. Better yet, if your children are young, steer them away from chat rooms. Older children should only participate in chat rooms you approve of.

If your child starts receiving phone calls from strangers or places calls to people you don't know, get involved immediately.Tell your children that if someone harasses them online, says something inappropriate, or makes them feel uncomfortable in any way, they should tell you, their teacher, or a trusted adult, and contact the police immediately if your child receives child pornography, is sexually solicited or received sexually explicit images.If you have questions about child safety or would like to arrange a presentation on this or another topic, please call the San Jose Police Department Crime Prevention Unit at 277-4133.