As your social life picks up, it's important you take time to make sure you look after yourself in new situations.
Is your life a whirl outside school or work? Chances are, in the next few months and years it will get busier and busier. The older you get, the more opportunities you have to go to new places and you also want to spend time with friends on fun nights out. But sometimes, fun can turn to danger and you’ll have to make some confident choices to keep yourself safe. Here’s a quick guide to help you in new situations.
1. BE PREPARED BEFORE YOU GO OUT
Tell your parents where you’re going, who you’ll be with and what time you’ll be back. It may seem dull but it’s important they know you’re safe. It’s also a good idea to have a code word established with them that serves as a clear signal you want to be picked up right away. This way, if you’re ever in a position where you can’t speak openly, you can drop the code word into a phone conversation and they will know immediately to come and get you. Before you go out, always make sure you have a safe way of getting home too.
2. BE PREPARED WHILE YOU’RE OUT
Make sure you have your phone so you can call home and that you have enough credit and access to important numbers, such as friends and a taxi company, if need be. Make sure you also have enough money for whatever you’re doing and, like a good Girl Guide, be prepared with anything you might need such as tissues and medication.
3. FOLLOW HOUSEPARTY PROTOCOL
House parties can be great fun when you’re with your best friends and there’s good music. Most of the time, parties are safe but they can get out of control, with homes being trashed and belongings stolen. If you’re having a party at yours, only invite people you trust and don’t publicise it on social media. If you’re going to a party at someone else’s, treat it like your home.
4. MEETING NEW PEOPLE
As young children everyone’s told not to speak to strangers, but the older you get, the more new people you meet and thankfully 99 per cent of the time they’re decent – just like you. But despite it being exciting making friends at parties and on nights out, it’s important not to trust anyone right away. Be wary also of revealing too much personal information about yourself too early or lending them money or any of your possessions. You may feel they’re your new best friend but what if you never see them again?
5. JUST SAY NO
At some point in the next few years it’s likely you’ll find yourself at a party or on a night out with people who drink alcohol or have drugs. If anyone offers you anything, be brave enough to say ‘no’ or have some phrases ready. Here are some you might try:
‘I’m not into that, thanks.’
‘I’m training for a run.’
‘I’m going soon, so no thank you.’
Sometimes, you might worry about looking silly for saying no when everyone else seems to be doing it but remember it’s about you, your life and your choices. By saying no you’ll probably also make it easier for others to follow your example. There’ll be other people who feel exactly as you do but are too scared to say no.
6. GETTING HOME
However tired you feel, never get in a car with someone you don’t know and never get in a car with anyone (even if it’s a friend) who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Call home instead. As you start visiting friends and going to concerts, parties and on shopping trips, you may have to use public transport such as buses or trains. To stay safe, try to sit at the front near the driver on buses and if you’re on a train, find seats near families. Then, if you feel worried about your safety at any time, there’s someone nearby to ask for help. While it may be tempting to use your phone, it’s best to keep it in your bag as well as any valuable items or things bought while shopping. If someone does try to take it, don’t fight them as you risk being hurt. Money and objects can be replaced – you can’t.
