Unfortunately, there are dangerous people in our world who prey on children. It is common to see horrifying stories on the nightly news about kids who have been seriously hurt or killed. You probably cannot be with your kids 24 hours a day to protect them from these types of individuals. However, there are steps you can take to help your children protect themselves.
Step 1
Talk to your children about being aware of their surroundings. Teach them to keep their heads up and look around when they are walking around outside. Advise them not to get wrapped up in texting or playing handheld video games while they are walking. Tell your kids to steer clear of strange people or cars that make them feel scared or uncomfortable.
Step 2
Make sure your kids are with other kids or an adult when they are outside. Do not let them walk to school, friends' houses or other places by themselves. Discuss what routes they should take when they go to these places. Emphasize the importance of avoiding shortcuts so that they do not wind up in unfamiliar areas.
Step 3
Tell your kids not to go anywhere with a stranger, no matter what that person says. Practice scenarios in which you pretend that you are a stranger. Try to trick your kids into going with you by asking them to help you find your dog or to help you with directions. Tell your kids to immediately run away from a stranger if he tries to get them to go with him.
Step 4
Discuss safe places that your kids can go if they are in danger and are not close to home. Tell them to run to public places like stores, banks or restaurants. Emphasize the importance of not running into areas like abandoned buildings, alleys or the woods. Help your kids understand that a bad person is less likely to try to hurt them in front of other people.
Step 5
Tell your children to make a lot of noise if a stranger tries to grab them. Have them practice yelling things like "stranger danger" or "help" as loud as they can. Teach your kids to yell even if the stranger tells them not to make any noise. Explain that yelling can draw attention from other people who can help them.
Step 6
Enroll your kids in a martial arts or self-defense course. Practice grabbing your kids and have them break free using the techniques they learn. Emphasize the importance of doing whatever it takes to get away from a stranger. Tell your kids they can punch, kick, scratch and bite the bad person to get away. Discuss good target areas like the eyes, nose, groin and shins.
Step 7
Tell your kids to immediately talk to you if anyone ever tries to grab them, hurt them or make them feel uncomfortable in any way. Talk to your kids about the importance of remembering what the bad person looks like so the stranger can be reported to the police. Practice seeing if your kids can remember what people look like and what they are wearing.
Step 8
Have your children memorize important phone numbers like 911, your home number and cell phone number. Tell your kids to call these phone numbers if they feel like they are in danger. Show them how to use a pay phone and explain that they do not need any money to call 911.
