Common stranger safety facts can be misleading. While it is true that child abductions by strangers do happen, statistically they are pretty rare. It is actually more common for children to be harmed by people who are known to them. While this sounds frightening, there are things parents can do to keep their kids safe, whether danger is posed by a stranger or an acquaintance.
Don't Focus on Strangers
When talking about stranger safety, it's not enough to simply tell our children not to talk to strangers. Many children are confused about what the term "stranger" even means. Make sure your child knows that a stranger is anyone she doesn't know. Explain to your child that he should never go anyplace with someone he doesn't know, nor should he accept anything from a stranger without your knowledge and permission.
There are times when kids will need to talk to strangers, such as store clerks or police officers. Let your child know that there are certain occasions when strangers are there to help; for example, if your child should become separated from you at the mall, it's okay to ask the mall security guard for help. Teach your children to identify adults who can help them if they are in trouble, such as teachers, police officers and security personnel. Even a mother with children can be a safe source of help for your child if she's separated from you in a public place.
What Feels Right?
It is important to teach your child to trust his instincts and feelings. If a situation doesn't feel safe, it probably isn't, whether they know the person or not. Make sure your child knows what types of behaviors are appropriate and what types are not. Let her know that an adult should not ask a child they don't know for help, and that refusing such requests is okay.
Teach your kids the No, Go, Tell system. If they feel threatened or violated in any way, say no, go away from the dangerous situation and tell a trusted adult what happened.
Keep your conversations about stranger safety age-appropriate, giving more information as your child grows and is on his own, away from you, more often. It is important to avoid frightening your children. You want them to know that although they need to be aware of potential danger, the world around them is mostly good.
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