Jackson County Sheriff Doug Farmer wishes all students a safe and successful school year. To ensure safety, he offers practical tips that parents can discuss with their children before they return to school.
“Summer is over, and it’s time for students to hit the books,” said Sheriff Farmer. “To keep everyone safe, please review these important safety tips with your kids. Preparing them for potential dangers can help them avoid risky situations.”
Sheriff Farmer advises parents to check location-sharing settings on their children’s devices to prevent unwanted tracking. “Remind students about the risks of sharing personal information online, especially their location,” he added.
Here are some safety tips Sheriff Farmer encourages parents to share with their kids:
– Don’t talk to strangers. If approached, inform a trusted adult.
– Walk to and from school with a friend. There’s safety in numbers.
– If in danger, yell for help and run to the nearest safe place, such as a business, school, or law enforcement officer.
– Establish a family “code word” that strangers wouldn’t know.
– Be cautious of strangers using tricks to gain trust, like asking for help or claiming a family emergency.
– Never accept items from strangers, like candy or medicine.
– Avoid wearing headphones while walking to stay aware of your surroundings.
Educating children on these tips can help keep them safe all year long.
For assistance, contact the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office at 828-586-4355 or 828-586-8901. The Crime Stoppers Hotline is 828-631-1125. Visit us online at sheriff.jacksonnc.org.
