Children need to know how to stay safe and
protect themselves from kidnapping. They need guidance on making safe choices
and decisions. Below are some general guidelines and useful tips that parents
can share with their children. It is also important to give children examples
that they will understand.
- First and foremost, explain that strangers
should NEVER ask a child for assistance. They should never ask children for
directions or for help with something they can do themselves, such as finding
a lost puppy or kitten.
- Discuss the issue of strangers. Simply
put, a stranger is someone that a child does not know. Unfortunately, children
conjure up the image of a "scary monster" when parents mention the
word "stranger." Explain that a stranger may look, act and dress
nicely, or even wear a uniform.
- A child may be in a situation that requires
interaction with a stranger, and this may be confusing. As an example, if
a child gets lost in a grocery store, the child should immediately go to the
checkout counter or security office even though that may mean talking to a
stranger. Instruct your child not to wander around looking for you. The child
should seek help from someone who works in the store.
- Role-play in various settings such as a
park, a grocery store, your home and your neighborhood. Pose "what if?"
scenarios and guide your children through the scenarios safely. Correct any
un-safe choices and re-enforce safe choices.
Teach your children to:
- Never take anything like candy, ice cream
or money from a stranger.
- Never take a ride from a stranger; check
with parents or a trusted adult before accepting a ride even from someone
they know.
- Never give their name or address to a stranger.
- Never say that they are home alone when
answering the telephone.
- Check with a parent or an adult guardian
before leaving the yard or play area. Always try to take a friend when playing
outside.
- Create a commotion by yelling and screaming
if a stranger tries to take them by force. Try to get away and immediately
tell a parent or trusted adult what happened.
These simple tips can help our children stay
safe. Additional resources can be found at:
SPD HOMEPAGE