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Teach
Your Kids The Dangers of Speaking to Strangers
Your children encounter
strangers each and every day of their life. Most people are harmless but
it is the minority that we must take seriously. It is important to remind
your children about the dangers of speaking to strangers and what to do if they
are approached by someone they do not know.
Explain what a stranger is to
your kids...
Many times children think of
strangers as scary people who look different. It is important to explain
to them that strangers are ordinary people and that you can not tell by looking
at them whether they are bad or good. Remind them that a stranger is
anyone that your family does not know by name.
You must explain to them that
there are safe strangers and these include policemen, and firefighters.
Let them know safe places to go if they ever need help for instance: home of a
neighbor, a local store or restaurant, a post office or library.
How to handle dangerous
situations...
Talk to your children about
what to do if your child is approached by someone they do not know. Key
points to stress include:
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Never approach a vehicle
of someone you do not know.
-
Do not talk to a person
that they do not know.
-
Always tell a responsible
adult what happened if they have been approached by someone.
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It is OK to say "NO" to
adults if you do not know them.
-
Run away as fast as you
can and yell as loud as possible for help.
-
Never keep a secret from
your parents
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Never listen if someone
tells you to disobey your parents or do something without permission
-
An adult, you do not
know, should never ask a child for help.
-
If you feel threatened or
uncomfortable in any way run.
An easy way for them to
remember this is "No, Go, Yell, Tell". If your children feels threatened
or uncomfortable they should say no, run away, yell loud and to immediately and
tell a responsible adult.
Equip your child with strategies
needed to keep them safe...
Every parent explains the
details of strangers to their children and you think that they understand. You
then see TV shows with hidden cameras, where they set kids up to see how they
would react in the situation with a stranger, and the kids fail. You
should take the time to role play with your children and help them come up with
a strategy to protect themselves in each scenario. Examples of a few
possible scenarios:
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A man in a car holding a
piece of paper ask you child to come over and help him with directions.
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A woman carry a dog's
lease approaches for help looking for her lost puppy.
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A stranger in your
neighborhood invites your child to come in for some cookies she just baked.
-
An adult approaches your
child in the park and ask for help locating a soccer ball that went into the
woods.
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They think they are being
followed home by someone.
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A stranger in the mall
approaches and ask them if they would like to come for a free promotional
meal at the fast food restaurant in mall.
-
An adult that they know
says or does something to make them feel threatened or uncomfortable.
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You talk to someone in a
chat room on the internet and they want to meet for ice cream.
Other ways to protect your
children...
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Know where they are and
who they are with at all times.
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Talk to them about safe
places to play in your neighborhood and places to avoid. Set firm
rules regarding what they are allowed to do and what they can't do.
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Teach them to follow
their instincts and run if they feel threatened.
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Always have a buddy with
them if they are walking or riding a bike.
-
Play in a group not
alone.
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Never be afraid to say no
if you feel threatened.
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Stay in touch via cell
phones.
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Keep important emergency
numbers posted and readily available for your kids. This includes
police, fire, work numbers, parent's cell phone number, and the number of a
neighbor and/or relative.
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Be sure your children are
mature enough to handle the situation that you put them in.
For detailed information in
dealing with all types of safety issues with your children please visit the
National Crime Prevention Website.
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