With kids set to go back to school next week, Kamloops RCMP are once again encouraging parents to talk with their children about safety.

RCMP Cpl. Dana Napier says that is to reinforce basic safety principles with their kids about what to do if they are approached by a stranger.

“As our kids head back to school, parents are reminded that it is important to speak with their children and youth about keeping safe when going to and from school,” he said.

Napier says children should partner up when walking or playing away from the home, and avoid conversations with strangers.

“If approached, children should keep their distance and seek the help of a trusted adult they know,” he added. “Children should be given the confidence to say ‘No’ to adults if they are requesting their help, offering gifts, or wanting to play a game.”

In an instance where a person tries to grab a child, Napier says the child should yell, scream, make as much noise as possible, and try to run away.

“By creating a disturbance, a person’s attention can be drawn to the situation, she added. Children are also encouraged to yell out, ‘Help, this is not my parent!'”

Families are being encouraged to establish a code word to identify a safe person in case of an emergency. They’re also urging kids to know their home address and phone number, and to stay ‘unplugged’ and be aware of your surroundings.

For more information, go here.