Information video for children about safety houses

Thousands of Western Australian primary school students are to get a lesson in safety following the launch of an information video today.

Speaking at Warriapendi Primary School in Balga, Education Minister Kay Hallahan said the video - which promoted Safety Houses to children - would be available to schools throughout the State.

The Minister said many parents worried about the safety of their children travelling to and from school.

"Safety Houses provide children with a place to seek refuge if they are alarmed by strangers, if they are ill or have been hurt in an accident, or if they are frightened by animals," Mrs Hallahan said.

"It is important that students are taught to recognise Safety Houses and to use them if they are distressed."

Mrs Hallahan said Safety House participants were screened by local committees and underwent a police check.

More than 200 children sought refuge in Safety Houses in 1991.

The Minister said the Safety House program began in 1983 involving two schools, and this year there were 300 participating schools and 9,700 Safety Houses in Western Australia.

The program was allocated $55,000 funding in the 1991/92 State Budget.

Former Warriapendi Primary School student Craig Decorsey and Vu Chan of Majella Primary School appeared in the video.