Those who want to protect their teenagers from the violent modern world often wonder what tools they can provide their teens. What are some of the things you can do as a parent? Set a curfew, and give your teen a cell phone so that they can call you if they need a ride home or feel they are in danger. Of course, from a young age your children should also be cautioned against everyday dangers such as talking to strangers. It is the responsibility of the parents to protect their children. In addition to the various tips you can give them about dealing with potentially dangerous situations, should you prepare them with a can of pepper spray or a personal alarm?

Concerned parents may decide that their teens are old enough to be trusted with the responsibility of these devices. Before giving your child pepper spray or a stun gun, always check your state and local laws. Though most states allow adults over 18 to carry such products, it is becoming increasingly common for the law to allow teens to carry them as well. Many parents opt to give their teens and even younger children a personal alarm as a non-violent and legal way to defend themselves.

Personal alarms also make a sensible choice when sending your teens to school. Most schools have a “zero tolerance” weapons policy, which means that you teens can’t even bring most self-defense products, such as pepper spray, to school with them. While schools can’t take away your child’s right to self defense, they can take away your child’s right to carry any weapon, whether a knife or gun or canister of pepper spray. While a no-weapons policy makes sense for schools, it also prevents your children from being able to defend themselves against a crime using non-lethal self defense products . However, if your children are being bullied or you feel that the school isn’t doing enough to ensure their safety, you may want to give them something to defend themselves with. A personal alarm is acceptable for in-school use, and will alert nearby adults such as teachers to a dangerous or violent situation.

If you do decide to provide your teens with such devices for after-school use, ensure that they are trained in their use and know when such products should be used. Self defense products are not toys, and should never be used unless your teen finds himself in a potentially dangerous situation.

Another way to help your teens defend themselves if they are ever attacked is to enroll them in self defense or martial arts classes. These lessons can give them the tools they need to defend themselves. Most martial arts classes also teach students about appropriate use of force, so parents need not worry about siblings using these lessons against each other.

While you probably don’t like the idea of your teens needing to defend themselves, the fact is, in today’s world even children are not immune to crime. Your teens could be assaulted at the mall, at school, or walking home from the bus stop. In addition to the classic danger of kidnappings, they may also be subjected to assault, bullying, or a whole range of other troubles, and this is true even if your kids are “good kids.” Violence can happen to anyone at any time, and it is your responsibility to make your teens aware of the types of situations they should avoid, and what to do if they do encounter danger.

Author Bio: Resist Attack has a full range of pepper spray both for families and security forces. Also check for current specials on ASP batons

Category: Advice
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