School’s out for the long summer holiday and parents are reminded to check where their older children are going and who with.
The Safer New Forest Partnership asks parents to find out what their children will be doing, if they are going out alone, to stop youngsters putting themselves in danger, causing distress to others or damaging the environment.
Cllr Jill Cleary, New Forest District Council portfolio holder for Housing and Communities, said: “Please check out their plans for the day and if they are going out in the evening. We ask parents to talk to their children about the dangers of playing in or near water, especially ‘tombstoning’ – jumping off a high platform into water.
“The New Forest has also experienced problems with fire-setting in rural areas and we hope parents will support us in spelling out the dangers.”
New Forest Chief Inspector Simon Tribe added: “Young people can sometimes get into all sorts of trouble through boredom or if egged on by their friends and we ask them to think about the consequences of any possible antisocial behaviour. Not only could they injure themselves, but they can put others’ lives in danger, harm wildlife and destroy parts of the beautiful New Forest.
“Alcohol can be a problem and young people may take it from home to share with friends without parents’ knowledge – so we suggest keeping any alcohol in a safe place and checking if any has gone missing. Allowing young people to consume alcohol makes them vulnerable which could result in them becoming victims of crime.”
Hampshire police will respond to any reports made to the 101 phone line. In an emergency, always dial 999.
Young people may be interested in taking part in a local summer activity scheme, such as those run by the Handy Trust on the Waterside or by Ringwood Town Council on Carvers Recreation Ground, or enjoy a visit to some of the many local attractions in and around the New Forest.
Find out what’s on for young people in the New Forest on New Forest District Council’s youth website inq.org.uk
