Teaching Your Kids "Stranger Danger"

With school in full swing and kids and parents alike moving in different directions while loading onto busses or navigating drop-off and pick-up lines, it seems a good time to have the “stranger danger” talk with your kids.

During my research to determine how to broach the subject with my two young children I came across some information that could be helpful to other parents, and save lives.

Who is a Stranger?
First and foremost, children need to understand what you mean by “stranger.” Not all people unknown to them are necessarily dangerous – they need to understand the difference between “good” and “bad” strangers. This is important so children understand where and to whom to turn if they are ever lost or feel scared, threatened, or if they think someone may be following them.

Role Play:
The best way to teach stranger danger lessons is through role-playing. Do this often! Run through scenarios such as, “What to do if someone offers you candy; Asks if you can help find a lost dog; Tells you that your mom or dad is hurt and you have to go with him/her. Teach your child to ask you first in all situations if it’s ok to go somewhere with someone, or take something from someone, even someone your child knows. Teach your child that if a stranger grabs her, do everything you can to stop him from pulling your child away or dragging her into his or her car. Drop to the ground, kick, hit, bite, and scream. Do whatever it takes to attract the attention of others who can help you. If someone is dragging you away, scream, “this is not my dad,” or “this is not my mom.”

Know Your Information:
It seems basic but is a difficult thing to teach young children. Reinforce to your children their name, address, phone number and parents’ names. Most parents of young children feel it’s best to attach an ID tag of sorts to their child clothing or backpack. While this is ok, never leave the tag on the outside of the bag. A stranger can easily identify your child’s name and address. Therefore as cute as they are, the personalized backpacks are on the “not-to-do” lists. Sorry, moms!

Use the Buddy System:

Teach your older children to never go anywhere alone. Always take a friend.

It’s Ok to Say No:

We all want our kids to be polite to their elders, but more important we want our kids to be safe. Teach your child that it’s ok to say no.

It’s Ok to Tell:

Reinforce to your child that you will be there for him always and if he feel uncomfortable, threatened or has been put into a compromising situation he should tell you. No secrets!

Stranger danger lessons should be ongoing – adapt the conversation as your child grows as she is likely to encounter different types of situations.

For more information about protecting your children please see:

National Criminal Justice Reference Service

Instant Amber

To view a list of registered sex offenders in your area view this site

***This post brought to you by Chester County Moms contributor Yvonne Wright.