Celebs sign up as The Sun leads campaign to keep our kids safe from terror
New figures show that around 300 children have called NSPCC’s Childline since April expressing fears that they will be caught up in a terror attack
WOULD you – and your kids – know what to do if faced with the horrors of a terror attack?
The Sun backs a new campaign by anti-terrorism cops aimed at keeping youngsters safe — with the simple message Run Hide Tell.
This year Britain has been hit by a series of evil outrages, most recently the Parsons Green Tube bombing in West London.
Terrorism is a real threat and we live in a world where extremist groups want to hurt us and spread hate and fear. While none of us should stop having fun and living our daily lives as normal, it is also VITAL to plan for the worst — and to educate your kids about how to react should it happen.
Around 300 children have called NSPCC’s Childline since April to express their fears over being caught up in a terror attack.
The Run Hide Tell message to anyone caught up in an atrocity comes from guidance from the Counter Terrorism Unit.
Together, we have created a three-fingered emoji to echo the simple police guidelines aimed at 11 to 16-year-olds.
It features on our cut-out-and-keep poster on the left, which also includes more detailed advice on what to do in an attack and how to stay alert in your day-to-day lives.
Get it put up in your child’s classroom or stick it on your fridge at home.
The initiative is backed by celebrities and sports stars including England rugby flanker James Haskell, Olympic taekwondo champion Jade Jones, TV tough guy Ant Middleton, adventurer Bear Grylls and Leicester and England striker Jamie Vardy.
Take a few moments NOW to think what you would do in the event of an attack. KNOWING these simple steps may save your life.
The threat to us from international terrorism remains at severe, meaning an attack is highly likely.
RUN
This is your best option. If there is a safe route RUN.
Insist others go with you but don’t let them slow you down.
Leave your belongings behind.
HIDE
If you cannot RUN then HIDE. Be aware of your exits.
Try not to get trapped. Be very quiet and silence your phone.
If you can, barricade yourself in.
TELL
Dial 999 only when you are safe.
Give your location. Give the direction the attacker is moving in.
Describe the attacker.
Can you safely stop others from entering the area?
Already this year, a so-called “lone wolf” attacker killed five and injured 49 in Westminster in March.
Then, on May 22, a bomb tore through the Manchester Arena after an Ariana Grande concert, killing 22 — many of them children — and injuring 120.
People in London’s Borough Market were attacked a fortnight later when three knife-wielding jihadis left eight dead and 48 injured.
Muslim worshippers leaving Ramadan prayers were then targeted near Finsbury Park Mosque, North London. One man died and nine others were injured by a van.
Earlier this month, a bomb left on a District Line train detonated at Parsons Green station, injuring 29.
While talking about terror may be upsetting, it is important to warn youngsters about the dangers and how to respond to them.
The Met’s Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Lucy D’Orsi, the national lead for protective security, told The Sun: “We appreciate that talking to young people about terrorism can be scary, for parents and children alike.
“But the atrocities in London and Manchester have sadly resulted in some of the youngest victims of terror this country has ever seen, and if we are able to teach children to act in a way which could potentially save their lives then it is our responsibility to do so.
“We are particularly concerned when we see people — young and old — using their mobiles to film scenes when they should be moving away from the danger. The recent incident in Parsons Green is a good example of this.
“Our research showed that many young people think filming would be a good thing to provide evidence for police. It is essential for them to understand that the priority must be their safety.”
So, please, take the time to talk your children through this crucial advice today.
Reassure them that the chance of being caught up in an attack is unlikely — but preparing for the worst could save their life.
REMEMBER
- Terrorism is a REAL threat at the moment
- Attacks are RARE and can be stopped
- YOU can make a difference
- Stay ALERT and report anything suspicious
- Take time NOW to think what you would do in an attack
