"Our Children, Our Neighborhood" in Oosterheem

Meetings for parents on safety, street culture, and more.

Young people are growing up in a world full of opportunities, but also facing challenges such as social media, peer pressure, street culture, and crime. Their experiences affect safety and quality of life in our neighborhood. During the “Our Children, Our Neighborhood” meetings, you’ll gain a better understanding of what’s going on among young people in Oosterheem.

We’d also love to hear about what you see and experience. You’ll receive tips and learn to recognize warning signs. You’ll also have the opportunity to talk with the community police officer, experts, and other parents. After all, involved parents are essential to a safe and livable neighborhood.

Join us!

Together, we create a safe environment where our children can grow up healthy and with opportunities.

Where: IKC Florence Nightingale, Zanzibarplein 90
Time: 8:45 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. (doors open at 8:30 a.m.). If you’re running a little late because you’re dropping off your child(ren) at school, feel free to join us anyway.
Who: All parents and guardians in Oosterheem

Participation is free.

Program

Friday, October 30, 2026: Young People's Online Behavior

Your child spends hours online every day. But do you know exactly what’s going on there? During this interactive presentation, you’ll get a glimpse into the online world of young people—from social media and gaming to the latest online trends. We’ll share relatable real-life examples and practical tips that can help you have conversations about online behavior.

An informative morning for parents who are curious about their child's digital world.

Friday, December 11, 2026: Street Culture

This presentation takes parents on a journey into the world of young people. What do status, respect, and peer pressure mean to young people? Discover how street culture works and how you can recognize signs of problematic situations. Topics covered include:

  • Street culture: status, respect, loyalty, and peer pressure.
  • Rivalry between groups and neighborhoods.
  • The influence of social media, slang, clothing, rap/drill, and online provocations.
  • Signs such as avoiding certain places, changing routes, showing fear, and tagging along with groups.
  • Possible escalation to threats and possession of weapons.
  • How can parents recognize the signs?
  • What role can Specialized Youth Services play in this regard?

Friday, January 22, 2027: Interactive Crime Prevention Program for Parents

The police offer these lessons at schools for young people ages 11 and up. During these interactive lessons, important and current issues that affect young people are discussed. Topics such as social media, peer pressure, (online) bullying, recruitment, drugs, assault, money mules, and package mules are covered.

The goal is to make young people aware of the risks and help them make sensible choices in challenging situations. The educational prevention program is normally taught by the police to young people starting in 8th grade. This time, the community police officer is teaching the class to parents and guardians.

Be sure to join us!

Friday, March 5, 2027: Recruiting Young People for Criminal Activities

It has been a recurring theme in the media for years: “Criminals recruit young people into forced criminal activity.” Young people, particularly those between the ages of 11 and 18, are deliberately lured by criminals with offers that appeal to them. They are then manipulated, blackmailed, or even threatened into carrying out tasks for criminals. This is also known as criminal exploitation. What are the warning signs, and what can you do as a parent?

More meetings

Save the date! Theme to be announced.

  • Friday, April 16, 2027
  • Friday, May 28, 2027

"Our Children, Our Neighborhood" is a new initiative by the municipality, in collaboration with the community police officer and other professionals.

Photo: Gerke van de Hoef