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Asset: Safety
Feeling Safe to Move Forward
Young people who feel threatened, unsafe, or scared often spend a lot of time trapped in fear or in their attempts to protect themselves. They’re less likely to venture forth and take some healthy risks. On the other hand, children and teenagers who feel safe are more likely to feel secure enough to try new things. That’s why safety is an important empowerment asset. Young people who feel safe at home, at school, and in the community are more likely to make positive contributions.
Yet fear is part of childhood and adolescence. Phyllis Tyson, Ph.D., a clinical professor of psychiatry, says young people face two types of fear: imaginary fears and reality-based fears. Imaginary fears vary depending on the developmental stage your child is going through. For example, toddlers frequently are frightened of toilets, separation, and loud or strange noises. Preschoolers fearmonsters and animals. Fears for teenagers often revolve around injuries, natural events, and social situations.
Television, newspapers, and other people fuel reality-based fears, such as crime and accidents. Parents can also add to this sense of insecurity by feeling anxious and believing the world is a dangerous place. Children and teenagers pick up on our body language, our attitudes, and our beliefs—even when we don’t express them consciously.
“Having fears is normal, and acknowledging, understanding, and learning to deal with them is part of the child’s continuing development,” Tyson says. It’s also important to do our part in ensuring that our homes, our schools, our neighborhoods, and our communities are safe places for children.
Communicating SAFETY
People who feel safe often act in these ways:
- They’re relaxed.
- They’re warm, open, and friendly.
- They enjoy being creative.
- They dream big and take healthy risks.
- They’re confident and secure.
Looking for more Ideas?
Download the latest Ideas for Parents Newsletter for more tips, hints and details about Family Support.
Learn more about the 40 Developmental Assets from Search Institute (Minneapolis, MN).
Questions? Suggestions?
Submit questions and suggestions with our online Contact Form, email [email protected] or give us a call at 574-233-9471.
