Safety Facts and Resources

Visit McGruff for Fun Facts and Safety Tips

 Internet Safety

• Visit FBI Kids Safe Online Surfing Internet Challenge https://www.fbi.gov/fbi-kids and see if you can win the game.
• Never give out personal information such as your name, home address, school name, or telephone number in open chat rooms or on bulletin boards.
• Never send a picture of yourself to someone you chat with on the computer without your parents permission.
• Never write to someone who has made you feel uncomfortable, scared, or that you do not know.
• Do not meet someone or have that person/s visit you without your parent’s permission.
• Tell your parents right away, if you read anything on the internet that makes you feel uncomfortable.
• Remember that everything you read online may not be true and people online may not be who they seem or say they are.
• Never download content without your parent’s permission.
• Never share your password with anyone but your parents.
• Always tell your parents about the people you meet or talk to on the internet.

Bicycle Safety

• Loudoun County has an ordinance requiring the use of a bicycle helmet for all children under the age of 14.
• Before using your bicycle, make sure it is ready to ride. You should always inspect your bike to make sure all parts are secure and working properly.
• Always wear a properly fitted helmet!
• Adjust your bicycle to fit.
• Learn the rules of the road and obey all traffic laws.
• Watch and avoid road hazards.
• Always wear bright colors and avoid riding at night.
• For more Biking Safety Information visit https://bikeloudoun.org/safe-routes-to-school

Skateboarding Safety

• Always wear properly fitting protective gear: helmet, wrist guards, and hip, knee, and elbow pads. Wear closed slip-resistant shoes. Also, make sure that the skateboard is the proper size for the child riding it.
• Ride skateboards on smooth, dry surfaces located in well-lit areas. Never ride in the street, or in crowds of non-skaters.
• Check skateboard for any problems before each use.
• Only one person per board, and never hitch a ride from a car or bike.
• Practice complicated tricks/jumps in specially designed areas that have adequate adult supervision and access to medical care, if needed.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics warns that children under the age of five should not ride skateboards. Any child under the age of 10 should be closely supervised when riding.
• To help minimize the impact of a fall, crouch down so that you are closer to the ground and attempt to fall on the fleshy part of the body. Try rolling instead of landing on arms and relax the body when falling.