Child Safety

Stranger Danger – Teach Your Children

A stranger is someone you do not know or do not know very well.

• Strangers can be men or women.
• They can be tall or short.
• They can be fat or thin.
• They can be old or young.
• Most strangers are nice.
• But some strangers are nasty and like to hurt children.

Never go with a stranger.

• Never get in a car with a stranger.
• Never take things such as candy, money, or gifts from a stranger.
• Never speak to strangers, provide assistance, or give personal information to them.
• Never go with a stranger to help look for a lost pet or play a game.
• Never be afraid to say no – say no. Never go!
• Never go off on your own. Always play with other children.
• Never play near public toilets or vacant buildings.
• Never take shortcuts through woods, back streets, or empty lots.

Always stay at least two arm lengths away from strangers, so you have room to back up and run away.

If you are frightened by a stranger run home and tell your mom or dad. If you cannot run home tell someone you trust. You can trust a policeman or policewoman, your teacher, or a grownup you know.

If a stranger approaches you in a car, try to remember the license plate number and tell your parents immediately.

Safety Tips

• Be sure you know where your children are at all times and when they are supposed to return home.
• Know who your children’s friends are, where they live and how to get in touch with them.
• Never leave a small child alone, at home or in the car, even for just a few minutes.
• Talk to our children about Stranger Danger, but don’t frighten them. Let your kids know they can talk to you about safety issues and concerns they have.
• Teach your children that bad people don’t necessarily look mean, they often will smile and act friendly. Teach your children no to be tricked!
• Discuss with your children how to identify safe adults who they can go to when they are in danger, people like police and firemen.
• Encourage your children to talk to you about places they don’t feel safe. If they feel unsafe walking to school, help them find new routes or walk with them. Don’t hesitate to talk with the school principal or the police if there is a serious problem.
• Use role-playing and “what if” scenarios so children can practice what to do and how to respond in different situations.
• Decide a secret code word to use in emergency situations. If you can’t pick up your children yourself, make sure the person you send uses the code word. Your child should never go with anyone who does not know the code word.
• Give your children whistles to blow on if they fall in danger. The whistles will help attract attention and may prevent a crime.
• Avoid clothing and toys with your child’s name on it. A child is less likely to avoid someone who knows his/her name.
• Always accompany young children to the bathroom in a public place.

If In Danger, Your Children Should Know

• Run away and ask a safe adult for help.
• What safe places they can go to, a police or fire station, the library, a store, or a friend’s house.
• What if a stranger follows or grabs them, they should yell real loud. Teach them to shout, “I don’t know you” or something similar, so people know they are in trouble. Tell your children it is okay for them to fight back and make as much noise as they can.
• That if anyone touches them in their private areas, they should say “NO”. Explain that they should tell you about these kinds of incidents as soon as possible.
• Go to the nearest cashier if lost or separated in a store or mall.

If They Are Home Alone, Your Children Should Know

• Know how to reach you.
• Know how and when to call 911.
• Keep the door locked at all times.
• Never let anyone inside, even if they know the person if you did not give permission in advance.
• Never open the door to a stranger. Never tell anyone on the phone they are alone.
• Do not tell callers their name, phone number, or address.
• Take a message, but hang up right away if they don’t like what someone is saying on the phone.