Bali offers wonderful opportunities for children to see new animals. To ensure every encounter is a safe and positive one, it’s essential to teach them a few simple safety rules. This guide provides easy-to-remember rules and talking points to help you prepare your children for the animals they’ll meet in Bali.
The Core Concept: Teach Them to “Be a Tree”
This is a classic and highly effective technique for child safety around dogs. Teach your child that if an unfamiliar dog approaches, they should not run or scream, as this can trigger a chase. Instead, they should “Be a Tree”:
- Stand very still.
- Place their “branches” (arms) by their side.
- Look down at their “roots” (their feet).
Explain that they should stay quiet and still like a tree until the dog gets bored and walks away.
5 Golden Rules You Can Teach Your Child Today
These simple animal safety rules apply to all animals but are especially important when teaching your child how to behave around the many free-roaming street dogs in Bali.
Rule #1: We Only Touch Our Own Pets at Home
Create a simple, unbreakable family rule that is easy for a child to remember: “We only pet our own furry friends back home.” This avoids any confusion about which dogs, cats, or other animals are okay to touch while on holiday.
Rule #2: Always Ask a Grown-Up First
Empower your child to make a safe choice by teaching them to always find you and ask for permission before approaching any animal, no matter how friendly or cute it looks. This gives you a chance to assess the situation.
Rule #3: Let Sleeping (or Eating) Animals Lie
Explain to your child that it’s important never to bother an animal when it’s sleeping, eating, or caring for its babies. A startled animal, especially a mother, can react defensively.
Rule #4: Use Gentle Voices and Slow Movements
Teach children not to run towards or scream with excitement near animals. Explain that loud noises and fast movements can scare animals and make them feel unsafe, which is when they might scratch or bite.
Rule #5: If a Toy Rolls Away, an Adult Gets It
This is a common scenario. Tell your child that if a ball or toy rolls near a dog or other animal, they should not run after it. Their job is to find an adult who can help retrieve it safely.
Special Rules for the Monkey Forest
The Ubud Monkey Forest requires special attention, as the monkeys are wild and very curious. Before you enter, explain to your children the most important rules in simple terms: “We don’t bring any food or drinks in,” and “We must keep our shiny things, like toys and sunglasses, safely in a zipped bag.”
This helps prevent a monkey from trying to snatch their belongings. For a complete list of family-focused tips, you can review our Complete Guide to a Safe Monkey Forest Visit.
What to Do If Your Child is Bitten or Scratched
Despite your best efforts, accidents can happen. If your child is bitten or scratched by any mammal:
- Stay Calm (for Your Child): Your child will take their cues from you. Speak in a calm, reassuring voice to help them feel safe.
- Wash the Wound Immediately: Find a restroom and wash the area with soap and running water for a full 15 minutes. This is a critical step in reducing the rabies risk.
- See a Doctor Immediately: It is essential to have a doctor examine any animal bite or scratch on a child. A doctor will clean the wound properly and assess the risk of rabies.
This medical follow-up is a non-negotiable part of dog bite prevention and aftercare. Learn why this step is critical in our Ultimate Guide to Rabies in Bali.
By teaching these simple rules, you empower your child with the knowledge to stay safe, allowing your family to enjoy all the wonderful animal encounters in Bali.
Family Health and Safety is Our Priority.
Our clinic is family-friendly, and our General Practitioners are highly experienced in managing common illnesses for children. For pre-travel advice, vaccinations, or any medical needs for your children during your stay, we are here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Parents
At what age can I start teaching my child these safety rules?
You can start teaching simple concepts like “no touch” as soon as they are toddlers (age 2-3). The “Be a Tree” technique is effective for children aged 4 and up.
My toddler is very impulsive. What’s the best way to keep them safe?
For impulsive toddlers, physical supervision is key. Keep them close in areas with many free-roaming animals, and consider using a child harness or holding their hand at all times.
Is it okay for my child to play with the hotel or villa’s resident pet?
Only after you have received explicit permission from the owner and only under your direct supervision. Even friendly pets can be unpredictable with small children.
What do I tell my child if they see a sick or injured animal?
Teach them that the kindest thing to do is to give the animal space and tell an adult immediately. An adult can then contact a local animal rescue for help.
My child is terrified of dogs. How can I help them manage their fear in Bali?
Validate their fear and don’t force interactions. Model calm behavior yourself. When you see a dog, calmly point it out and cross the street together, saying “Let’s give that doggy its space.”
We are visiting a friend who has a dog. How should we introduce our child?
The introduction should be slow and controlled. Have your child stay with you while the dog is on a leash. Let the dog sniff your child’s hand first before any petting is attempted, and always supervise 100% of the time.
What if my child just gets licked by a dog, but there’s no broken skin?
The rabies virus is transmitted through saliva into an open wound. If the lick was on intact, healthy skin, the risk is virtually zero. However, it is always best to wash the area thoroughly with soap and water.
Besides rabies, what are other health risks from animal scratches?
Scratches can introduce bacteria into the skin, leading to a skin infection (cellulitis) or, in the case of cats, Cat Scratch Disease. All scratches that break the skin should be properly cleaned and monitored.
What should be in our family’s first-aid kit for minor scrapes?
Your kit should include antiseptic wipes, assorted sterile plasters (band-aids), and a child-safe antiseptic cream.
Is a pre-exposure rabies vaccine a good idea for my child for a long trip?
For long-term stays or trips involving high-risk activities like volunteering with animals, a pre-exposure vaccine can be a very wise precaution. It’s best to discuss this with a doctor who can provide personalized advice based on your travel plans.
