STRANGER DANGER
We often let our imaginations get the best of us when we try to think about strangers. Most children we meet are worried about strangers running up behind them, hitting them over the head, and throwing them in the car. While this may happen once in a while, far more strangers use tricks (instead of force) to lure a child into a dangerous situation.
It is equally important to remember the definition of a stranger. In our programs, we tell children that a stranger is not only someone they don't know at all and have never seen before, but also a person who they only know a little bit. For example, if someone new moves in next door, you know his name is Mr. Smith and that he has two kids, Jessica and Jerry. But you've never talked to Mr. Smith, and your parents don't know him. Your family has never visited them at their house. Are these neighbors strangers? You bet! And we need to use our stranger rules on the people we only know a little bit.
Our Golden Rule for being safe with strangers is simple: DO NOT GO NEAR A STRANGER. Keep at least two adult arms' lengths between you and a person you don't know. That way, if they try to come closer, you can back up, or run away.
If you remember this rule, you won't have to remember any of these other safety tips
- Be aware of the kinds of tricks that strangers use. Most strangers who take kids use tricks, not weapons, to get you to come with them. Tricks can be anything, including:
-
-
- offers of candy, toys, or money
- a story about being sent by your parents to pick you up
- an opportunity, like getting your picture in the paper or a trip to the mall
- a request for help: to fix a tire, or find a lost puppy, or give directions
-
-
- Don't take anything from strangers. Most of us know not to take candy from a stranger, because it might be poisoned or contained drugs. What we forget is the really important part: if you get close enough to a stranger to take a candy�or anything else�from their hand, that person can grab you. Don't take ANYTHING from strangers, including your own personal effects. If a stranger grabs your backpack or bicycle and holds it out to you, just get away. You can always replace the item, but you can't replace yourself!
- Don't talk to strangers. This is one way strangers catch us off guard. If we are engaged in conversation with someone, we are less aware of keeping proper body boundaries. As the stranger talks, s/he can be getting closer. Even though our parents tell us to be polite to adults, we DO NOT have to talk to grown-up strangers. Good strangers will understand that you're just trying to keep safe.
- Yell for help. If a stranger is threatening you, make a big noise to get people's attention, and keep making it until you are safe. If the stranger covers your mouth, pull back on their pinky finger until they let go.
- Use self-defense if a stranger grabs you. Most strangers don't think a kid will fight back, so the element of surprise will work in your favor. The point is not to beat up the stranger, but to surprise them enough to make them let go of you. Low kicks to the shins, or jabs with the elbow in the gut or chest work well. As soon as the stranger lets go, run away! Get to a safe place, where there are other people around
- Call 911. This is a free call, even from a pay phone. When you get to a safe place, call the police and give them a description of the stranger.
- Safety in numbers. Whenever possible, take a friend or relative along when you play outside or walk anywhere. Most strangers try to take kids who are alone.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Internet Safety | Stranger Danger | Preventing Sexual Abuse | Dealing With Bullies |
Safety Tips For Parents | The Basics Come First
