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Teen Survival Guide

Staying safe

Now that you are doing more on your own, you need to take charge of your safety. Check out the tips below. Then, think through the "what-if" scenes that follow and how you would deal.

At home

• Always know who is at the door before opening it. Ask for ID if you are unsure.
• If you're home by yourself, don't let others know.
• If someone has gotten into the house, get out right away! Call 911 from a neighbor's.

What-if: A stranger says he needs help and wants to use your phone.

You can: Say no, don't open the door, and then call a neighbor, parent or guardian, or the police and let them know what happened.

In Relationships

• If you think that you are in a relationship that is unhealthy, talk to a parent or guardian, friend, counselor, doctor, teacher, coach, or other trusted person. See pages 50-51 for the list of warning signs to help you explain what's happening to an adult.
• If you are the victim of violence or abuse, it is not your fault! You are NOT the reason for the violence. Violence is NEVER okay!
• With help, you can get out of an unhealthy relationship. Sometimes, leaving an abusive relationship can be dangerous, so it is very important for you to make a safety plan.
  • Stay away from the person.
  • Spend time with your other friends, and don't walk alone.
  • Think of safe places to go in case of an emergency, like a police station or a public place like a restaurant or mall.
• There are free hotlines that you can call 24 hours a day for help leaving an unhealthy relationship:
  • The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
  • The Youth Crisis Hotline: 1-800-HIT-HOME (448-4663)
  • The National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

What-if: Your boyfriend tells you that he will hurt you if you try to break up with him.

You can: Tell your parents or guardian, or another trusted adult, right away. If you are afraid to do so, call one of the hotlines listed above for help right away.

On the go

• Tell your parents and friends where you are going, who you will be with, and when you will be back.
• Carry money, a phone card, or cell phone for emergency calls.
• With your family, decide on a code word that you can use on the phone when you need their help or need to be picked up right away.
• Walk in areas you know, on main streets that are well-lit.

What-if: Your friend says she wants you to leave a party with some people you just met.

You can: Say "No, thank you" and urge her not to go either. If she is your ride and leaves, call a parent or guardian, or other trusted adult for a safe ride home.

At the wheel

• Always wear your seatbelt.
• Never get into a car with someone (even an adult) who has been drinking or using drugs.
• If you find yourself in the car with someone driving without care, get out of the car as soon as possible after it has stopped.

What-if: You ride with a friend who just got her license. She's busy talking and doesn't seem to be watching the road.

You can: Tell her you want to hear what she has to say, but to wait until after you get to where you're headed. Tell her you aren't good at talking and driving at the same time either!

At work

• Follow all safety rules.
• Use safety equipment and protective clothing when needed.
• Look out for coworkers.
• Keep work areas clean and neat.
• Know what to do in an emergency.
• Report any health and safety hazards to your boss.

What-if: A coworker asks you to "watch the shop" by yourself, while she runs out.

You can: Ask the coworker to stay, explaining that you don't feel okay alone. If he or she leaves anyway, call the manager, if you can.

On the Internet

• Ask a parent or guardian before going into a chat room.
• Don't tell anyone your Internet or email passwords.
• Never share your name, address, phone number, or other information about yourself.
• Don't share other information that can identify you, such as where you go to school and where you hung out last night.
• Don't post information about yourself on your blog. Anyone can read what you write!
• Don't agree to meet strangers you chat with online in person. This is very unsafe!
• If a stranger keeps trying to contact you or meet you in person, or sends you anything that makes you uneasy, report it at www.cybertipline.com or 1-800-843-5678.

What-if: Someone you meet online suggests you meet for coffee.

You can: Say no! It's never safe to meet someone you have met online in person.

Content last updated February 12, 2008

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