• Avoid dark, deserted or dangerous streets – even if it means taking the long way around.
• Pay attention to what’s going on around you. Walk away from possible dangers, such as groups of people behaving in a threatening or suspicious way. If you get scared, go into a store, restaurant or gas station where other people are around.
• Let your parents, a trusted neighbor or a police officer know about anything going on in your neighborhood that doesn’t seem quite right.
• If you’re mugged, give the mugger what is demanded. Don’t fight back or talk to the mugger. Better to lose your possessions than your life. Report the incident to the police.
• If someone tries to hurt you or you think someone is going to hurt you, run away or scream to get attention.
• Use a buddy system – go places with friends whenever possible.
• Always try to settle arguments with words, not fists or weapons. When someone you know tries to take advantage of you, stand up for your rights by saying no in a loud and firm voice. Report any threats of violence against you to a teacher, school administrator or the police.

Safety At Home

At home, encourage your children to keep doors and windows locked and to check to see who’s there before opening the door. Set a good example by doing this yourself. Encourage your teenagers to dial 911 or your local emergency number if they feel they’re in danger.

Listen to Your Children

Let your teenagers know that they can talk to you about any fears they have. If your child is being seriously bullied or threatened at school, talk to school authorities about it. Although many teens worry that "telling" on a bully will make things worse, bullies are more likely to back off if they know you will stand up for your child’s safety.

A Violence-Free Attitude

Your attitude toward violence can affect the way your child responds to potentially violent situations. Do you believe that boys who do not fight are sissies? That it’s important to win at all costs? That nice guys finish last? Or do you let your children know that it’s OK to walk away from a fight, and back your words with your own actions?

Is your home a violence-free zone, where family problems are solved without using violence or threats? Do you help your child to learn nonviolent ways to deal with frustration, anger and conflict?

Teenagers who learn to handle conflict without using violence are much less likely to become victims of schoolyard or street violence.