Tips for Teenagers

Do Not Run Away From Home

• If living is intolerable at home, then speak to your teacher, minister or doctor about it. They will help you. Nothing is impossible! There are good people who may help you. If you run away, then you will soon be at the mercy of the street people who will push you into drugs, pornography, and prostitution.

  Talk it Over With a Friend Who Cares

• If you think that you have no friends, then you will find a crisis centre in your community that will reach out to you.
• Be careful of offers of friendship from strangers. Because you are lonely and unhappy, do not be misled by signs of affection from strangers.
• Do not accept job offers that require you to go to offbeat, lonely areas. Beware of job offers that seem to offer too much pay. Use legitimate channels, such as student placement offices for your part-time jobs. Check all references.
• Do not accept offers to take your photograph and make you famous. Report any such offer at home or to the police.
• Do not get into cars with strangers for any reason or approach near enough to be grabbed.

  Do Not Hitchhike

• Travel in groups or with a friend. Do not go into lonely areas at night.
• Do not take dares to do foolish things, such as going into a bad area alone.
• Tell your parents where you are going to be, and let them know when your situation changes.
• Do not babysit in a home you do not know.
• If anyone tries to caress or fondle you in a way you do not like, go then tell.
• Report any incident of attempted molestation. Report someone hanging around your school or play areas. Learn to give good descriptions of the person to the police to help in capture.
• Remember, it is not your fault - so do not be afraid to tell if someone has bothered you.
• Do not linger alone in unsupervised recreational areas, but leave with your friends.
• Do not open the door to strangers and do not tell people when you are alone.
• Do not accept offers of alcohol, cigarettes or other drugs.