The must have app to prepare children for emergencies

Written by Jessica Cleary, Psychologist

The thought of something happening in our home that requires our children to desperately call emergency services is an awful one. We probably don’t want to think about it too much and hope that it never happens. However, most of us also recognise the importance of equipping our children with the knowledge and skills should the unthinkable happen in our homes.
 
How confident are you that your kids would know to a) recognise an emergency, b) know how to call Triple 0, and c) give the necessary information to the operator?
 
Having the ‘know how’ can take the edge off common childhood anxiety and fear about scary things such as burglars, fires or something happening to mummy and daddy. Although we can’t give our children the reassurance that their lives will be all smooth sailing and happy days, we can help them feel confident and capable to act in an emergency if necessary.
 
To help empower our children to know what to do in an emergency, check out The Triple Zero Kids' Challenge app. This engaging, practical app teaches:
 

• How to recognise when an emergency is taking place
• How to use Triple Zero appropriately (including the importance of not prank calling)
• How to cope in an emergency
• Making decisions through practicing nine safety scenarios (about one hour of game time)

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Children get to hear what happens when they call Triple Zero and are taught what to say and do through solving mysteries and playing games. It is suitable for kinder and primary school aged children. The app also includes downloadable resources for teachers and parents. My six-year-old spent close to an hour on at and loved it. We'll definitely revisit it from time to time.
 
Remember to let your children know that most kids will never have to use Triple Zero, but part of your job as a parent is to make sure that they know what to do just in case. It’s also important to reassure your children that there is an adult close by in nearly all circumstances to help keep them safe.  ​

Jessica Cleary
Jessica is the Principal Psychologist and Director of Hopscotch & Harmony as well as the grateful mother of three children. She is passionate about building resilience in children and helping parents guide their children's behaviour through positive, effective parenting approaches. ​​