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KEEPING SAFE WHILE DOOR-KNOCKING

Communities should be safe places for children, teenagers, adults and the elderly, but how safe are we (especially our children) who go door-to-door selling, trick or treating, seeking jobs or selling school or club raffle tickets?

It is important to be aware of the potential danger to ourselves and our children involved in activities that require doorknocking. Sales of raffle tickets, chocolates etc are best contained within the extended family and friends so that especially our do not need to doorknock. Adults can help by offering to sell the items through their workplace, family and friends.

Children, teenagers, adults and the elderly have a right to feel safe inside and outside their families, homes and schools.

All members of a community have a duty to provide that safety and parents have an undeniable responsibility in the due care of their children. If your children must participate in an activity that involves doorknocking, you should follow the golden rules.

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THE GOLDEN RULES

You should know

  • Where your children are
  • Who your children are with
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  • What your children are doing
  • Your children should at all times be under your direct supervision or in the responsible care of another approved adult
  • You must consent to the purpose of the activity
  • Children should be involved in discussions about their safety and the suitability of such activities
  • Children should not go doorknocking alone. They should always be in a group and accompanied by an adult if possible
  • Children should only go to doors clearly visible from the street
  • It is not advisable for anyone to doorknock after dark
  • Children must respect other people's property, privacy and peace
  • Children should NEVER GO INSIDE a house for any reason, no matter how friendly the resident might appear to be
  • Remind children that they should go to a Safety House if they need help

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Teach your children to  

  • Recognise Safety House signs on letterboxes and business windows
  • Find the Safety House in their area as they can use these as a guide when choosing a route to school, their friends place, the shop etc.
  • Recognise warning signs about feeling unsure. to a shop, milk bar or callout to a passer-by if no Safety Houses are available

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