Safekids 101: Preparing Kids to Stay Safe at Home and in the Community

Bookended by an introduction for parents and a closing section for students working on Scout merit badges in CPR, Safekids 101, hosted by Julie Hunt, is a guide to personal safety aimed primarily at 'tweens, with some attention to teens. Topics include first aid, emergency preparedness, fire prevention, gun safety, telephone and Internet safety, recreational and car safety, dog emergencies, and abduction dangers. Though solid and comprehensive, the tape sometimes seems to push both parents and children considering the "home alone" option for latchkey children ("Are you truly afraid or are you just uncomfortable being alone?" Hunt asks at one point, with the possible implication that a child who is afraid is just a big baby). In addition, the script repeatedly calls for the tape to be paused, so viewers can write in their workbook (not seen), which will limit the program's usefulness in any multi-user setting, such as a public library. Recommended, with reservations. Aud: I, J, H, P. (R. Reagan)