Whenever there are children near the roadside, the first thing to do is:

The best initial action when encountering children near the roadside is to slow down. This is crucial because children can be unpredictable, often running into the street without warning. Reducing your speed gives you more time to react to any sudden movements from the children, allowing you to stop safely if necessary.

When traveling at lower speeds, the ability to respond swiftly to any hazards increases. Slowing down also means that even if a child does run into the street, there's a greater chance of avoiding a serious accident because the impact speed will be lower.

In terms of safety, while allowing plenty of space between your vehicle and the curb, looking in both directions, and slamming on your brakes are all important considerations in various scenarios, the immediate and most effective response to ensure safety when children are present is to first decrease your speed. This is a proactive step that enhances safety for both the driver and the children.