Safety is every child's fundamental right: familiarise yourself with the safety instructions!

The safety instructions are specifically designed for young primary school children who are beginning to roam independently outside the home and explore the internet on their own. At this point, children should be able to manage emergencies, problems and risks, and know how to act and who to contact.

Contents of the safety instructions

1. What constitutes an emergency, and when should you call the emergency number?
2. What is the emergency number?
3. School routes and surroundings, adults asking children to get into their car or pretending to need help
4. Child alone at home, and protecting their privacy
5. Help is always available and the child is not to blame
6. An offer too good to be true, and dangerous social media challenges

The safety instructions are available in three different languages on the website of Lasten perusoikeudet – Children’s Fundamental Rights ry as part of the Keep Safe project. The instructions are freely available for use at home, in early childhood education, and in schools.

Keep Safe is a preventive project funded by the EU, aimed at preventing children from becoming victims of abuse and violent crimes by providing instructions for children, parents, and teachers.

– The City of Vaasa participated in the project launched by Lasten perusoikeudet – Children’s Fundamental Rights ry throughout 2024. We are prepared to continue the collaboration if the association is granted further funding, says Hanna-Mari Joutsen, Health Promotion Coordinator for the City of Vaasa.

Primary school children learnt how to use the emergency number

Last year, training was organised for both children and professionals in Vaasa. The training was provided by an expert from the Turku Emergency Response Centre.

– A total of 169 primary school children at Onkilahti and Variska Comprehensive Schools were taught how to use the emergency number. The children participated with great enthusiasm and were very engaged, says Isla Varpula, Coordinator for the Child-Friendly Municipality initiative.

The training targeted at professionals focused on various methods and materials for teaching children emergency safety instructions.

– By promoting child safety, the Keep Safe project has been a valuable addition to the City of Vaasa’s Child-Friendly Municipality strategy. Safety and safety education are fundamental rights for every child, says Hanna-Mari Joutsen.