Stranger Safety

Stranger Safety

Who is a stranger?  A stranger is someone you either; do not know, or do not know well.

Tips for kids:

1. Never talk to a stranger.
2. Never let a stranger get too close, whether he or she is in a car or walking.
3. Never accept candy, a present, a ride, or anything else from a stranger.
4. Never tell a stranger your name or address.
5. Never go with a stranger to help them find anything. Adults ask adults for help.
6. Never go into deserted places alone.
7. Never keep secrets from your parents about strangers.
8. Always try to walk with a friend or a grown-up.
9. Always stick to the same safe route in traveling to and from school or a friend's house.
10. Never open the door for a stranger, if you are home alone.

What should a parent know when talking to a child about safety?

Don't forget your older children. Children aged 11 to 17 are equally at risk to victimization. At the same time you are giving your older children more freedom, make sure they understand important safety rules as well.

Speak to your children in a manner that is calm and reassuring.  Children do not need to be frightened to get the point across. In fact, fear can thwart the safety message, because fear can be paralyzing to a child. 

Speak openly.  Children will be less likely to come to you about issues enshrouded in secrecy.  If they feel that you are comfortable discussing the subject at hand, they may be more forthcoming.

Teach your children that safety is more important than manners.  In other words, it is more important for children to get themselves out of a dangerous situation than it is to be polite. They also need to know that it is okay to tell you what happened, and they won't be tattletales.

Ideas for family rules:

1. Have a family code word.
2. Never go with anyone who doesn't know the code word.
3. Never send someone your child does not know to pick them up.
4. Let children know who they can let in the house and who they should get into a car with.
5. Strangers can get your child's name from the outside of their backpack or school work. Make sure your child's name can't be seen in plain view.

For more information, contact The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.

24-hour Hotline: 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678)

Phone: 703-224-2150

Fax: 703-224-2122

www.missingkids.com (website also available in Spanish)