Province

Keeping your child out of trouble

Prevention is the key to your child's safety.

You've encouraged open discussion regarding possible problems on the way to and from school. You're confident your child knows his route, alternatives, Block Parent locations and specifics to avoid.

If even the best preventive measures still leave your child faced with a possible altercation, he has several alternatives available.

One of the major causes of youthful confrontation is verbal exchange.

"What are you doing walking to school on my street, weirdo?"

"What's it to you, acid breath?"

You've got it. Clash and someone loses.

It doesn't have to be your child. In this example, prevention was exchanged for escalation. If your child refuses to get involved in the verbal exchange, often the altercation can be avoided.

"If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all," says Thumper.

Sound advice from Bambi's buddy.

A recent stabbing in Vancouver was the result of an exchange of words.

Flipping the finger should be avoided as well.

If, in walking her school route, your child notices a group of potential troublemakers ahead, she should safely cross the street and continue waking. If the trouble also crosses, then head for either a Block Parent house or a business or run.

Avoiding and escaping are the objectives, not confrontation.

Michelle Gagne, of BC Telephone, says that a call to 911 is free, as is dialling "0" and asking for the police.

She recommends letting your child know this as well as pointing out the location of pay phones on the route between home and school.

Calling the police if your child "sees a bunch of kids who are going to beat me up" should be the last option.

If physical confrontation is unavoidable and appeals from your child that she doesn't want any trouble are fruitless, then a stand must be made.

I discourage the carrying of dog repellent by anyone who has not been trained in its use and the attendant responsibilities.

Facing an antagonist with one shoulder towards'him, body turned slightly at an angle with leg/toes pointed slightly forward (right shoulder, right leg) is an ideal defensive position.

If a book bag is carried over the left shoulder, it should be removed and held close to the chest with both hands in a protective manner.

If a physical encounter becomes unavoidable, an older child can toss the bag as hard as possible at the potential attacker's face, then flee. The bag's contents are replaceable, injuries take time to heal.

No bag? Your child's hands can be cupped close to his chest with the same body position. If the aggressor reaches for the defender, the right hand with fingers held tightly to each other is thrust directly into the attacker's eyes. Then the child should run.

To use the element of surprise, the jab is done without verbal warning or "telegraphing." Simulate this scenario and practise with your children and perfect their response.