Safe
Shopping centres
Whose children love heading up on the escalators which are heading down? Or jump in and out and ride on the sides of the shopping trolley – better yet – steer it themselves? Often, shopping trolleys and prams are not allowed on escalators and must use lifts instead. Children playing on trolleys or escalators can cause injury to themselves and others. Discourage children from playing where they shouldn’t – a warning from security personnel could be embarrassing.
Many shopping centres have designated play areas for children, generally for certain ages and may have rules regarding footwear and food. Parental supervision is also required and play areas should not be treated as a drop off while you go and shop. There are businesses which provide customer-only supervised ball-rooms or crèche arrangements while parents conduct their business within.
Don’t let children touch items in stores which may result in you paying for broken stock or cluttering aisles and risking injury to other shoppers. Keep your children strapped into trolleys and prams, or carefully supervise and hold hands with children who are walking.
If your child gets lost or you have a safety concern regarding a particular shopping centre get in touch with the customer service desk or follow up with centre management.
Featured safety resources
Wherever you are in Australia, these featured resources are available nationally.
Please navigate through the subsections above to find more local or specific contacts.
Safe services
Safe products
Safe resources
Safety at home
Safe environment
Safe in the sun
Safety online
National contacts
This is a brief list of organisations listed throughout the Safe section, which provide a national emergency or safety service. For specific services or to see what’s available in a local area please browse the subsections in the menu above.
000 Triple Zero emergency
Ambulance, Fire, Police
Poisons Information
24 hour
State Emergency Services
24 hour
Translating and Interpreting Service
24 hour
State and local areas
Alcoholics Anonymous
24 hour
Crime Stoppers
24 hour
Kids Help Line
24 hour
Lifeline
24 hour
Emergency contact list
View details and download
Also see >
Emergency and advice
– Contacts and resources
Acknowledgement of Country
In the spirit of reconciliation Children's Guide acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Elders past, present and emerging, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.