As a mother of four, watching or reading any news story that headlines a child is terrifying. No matter how much a parent wants to protect their children, there are people who harm kids, and accidents that do not discriminate by age. Teaching your child basic safety skills for situations that may occur can help to save their lives.

You can take the first step to helping your child be safe by enrolling them in radKIDS. This nationally recognized program teaches children confidence, safety, and self-esteem. Safety drills and exercises include safety in the home, school, and vehicles, defensive tactics against being abducted, and how to recognize and what to do about good touch versus bad touch.

This program is coming to the Johns Creek Police Department from Feb1-15. The series is five classes long and will be limited to 10 children.

At home, you can also teach your child basic safety  skills and instill confidence and self-esteem. Talk to your children as much as possible. Talking to your children ensures that your child will feel comfortable telling you if they have been touched in an inappropriate way or if they feel uncomfortable in a situation.

Teach  your child other basic rules to help keep them safe. Always wearing a seatbelt, not walking in the road when they play, and having a buddy when outside are just some rules that can help. The radKIDS program goes one step further and teaches physical defensive techniques to protect against being abducted. The better prepared your kids are, the safer they will be.

To enroll in the radKIDS program, call 678-474-1587 for more information or stop by the Johns Creek Police Department at 11445 Johns Creek Parkway. Children must be ages 7 to 12 and the application fee is $25.