COBRA Kids Self Defense

Most people can still remember that excited feeling they had on the last day of school before the summer break. The doors burst open, and we ran into the world filled with anticipation, relief, and youthful joy. Although summer is a time for freedom and adventure there are several steps parents and kids can take to ensure they stay safe:

1. Stay Supervised: It’s important for children to have adult supervision, especially younger children. Make sure they are supervised when participating in outdoor activities, swimming, or visiting public places.

2. Water Safety: If children are swimming or participating in water-related activities, ensure they know how to swim and are always supervised by a responsible adult who also knows how to swim. They should follow all water safety rules. Encourage them to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen with a high SPF, especially during the peak hours between 10am and 4pm.

3. Stranger Awareness: Reinforce the importance of not accepting anything from strangers. Teach children the about personal boundaries and what they can do if they feel uncomfortable or threatened. C.O.B.R.A.’s Child Abduction Prevention CAP courses train both children and parents or caregivers in threat recognition and response using role-playing scenarios to help them understand what to do in different situations.

4. Cyber Safety: Remind children about the importance of online safety. Teach them about responsible internet use, the risks of sharing personal information online, and the dangers of interacting with strangers on social media or gaming platforms. Encourage open communication with parents or guardians regarding any online encounters that make them feel uncomfortable. Promote physical activity over sedentary screentime.

5. Road Safety: Remind children about road safety rules. Teach them to always cross the street at designated crosswalks or intersections, obey traffic signals, and look both ways before crossing. They should always wear helmets and protective gear when riding bicycles, skateboards, and other wheeled devices.

6. Situational Awareness: Teach children to be aware of their surroundings and trust their instincts. Encourage them to stay in well-lit areas, avoid isolated places, and be cautious of unfamiliar locations or people.

7. Emergency Preparedness: Ensure that children know their full name, address, and contact information for parents or guardians. Teach them how and when to dial emergency services (like 911) and what to do in case of an emergency.

8. Encourage Communication: Establish an open line of communication with children, so they feel comfortable discussing any concerns or experiences they have during the summer break. Encourage them to seek help from a trusted adult if the feel unsafe or encounter any problems.  

C.O.B.R.A. SATX offers many classes for ages 4+ and parents.  Self-defense classes encourage children to use their voice and trust their instincts which builds confidence and self-esteem. Participating in self-defense classes is an exciting and empowering way for children to learn life-saving skills. Enjoy the summer with your children and teach them to be smart and stay safe.