Your child’s personal safety is probably always a concern for you. And it’s probably even more of a concern if your child is heading off to a strange city for the first time.
Make sure you speak with your child about personal safety before he or she leaves for the internship. It may not be the most fun discussion you have, but it may be the most important one.
To help you get started, here are some important personal safety tips that will help your child stay safe during a summer internship and beyond. Encourage your child to:
- Always travel with a buddy. Many people associate this tip with a night out on the town, but traveling to and from work with a coworker or friend is a good idea as well.
- Appoint a designated driver. If your child is of age and headed out for a night on the town, make sure he or she appoints a designated driver. A good practice is to team with other friends and rotate designated driving duties.
- Watch his or her drink. Date rape drugs and other contraband can be easily inserted into a drink, so encourage your child to watch his or her drink while out. Also remind your child not to accept a drink from someone unless he or she sees it being poured.
- Stay in well-lit, well-populated areas. Also park in well-lit areas and immediately lock car doors once inside.
- Avoid traveling with large amounts of cash. Encourage your child to use a credit or debit card instead of cash, as cards are less tempting targets for theft.
- Travel prepared. Remind your child to travel with a well-charged cell phone at all times. Also encourage him or her to invest in pepper spray and a tactical flashlight with a beveled edge (it can help fend off an attacker and even break glass).
- Never leave a party with someone he or she doesn’t know. Remind your child that no matter how nice a person seems, it’s not wise to leave with someone he or she just met.
- Have their keys out before they get home. Fumbling with keys in the dark is never a good idea.
- Refrain from giving anyone their building entry code. Also encourage your child to verify the identity of anyone seeking entry into a building or unit by using an intercom or looking through a peephole.
With some preparation and precaution, your child will be ready for his or her college internship—and you’ll be able to breathe a sigh of relief knowing your child is safe.
Read the full story from Erie Insurance: "Personal Safety Tips for Interns"
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