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Stranger Danger
Teaching Your Children the Dangers of Strangers
By Carma Haley
However, abductions, abuse, sexual misconduct, rape and deaths of children do not always occur at the hands of strangers.
Jones says about 50 percent of all crimes committed against children are done so at the hands of someone the child knows or is familiar with.
"Probably the most important thing that a parent can (relay) to a child about abduction is that people who abduct children are not necessarily someone that the child perceives as a stranger," Jones says. "One of the main lessons that I teach children in Run Yell Tell is never go anywhere with anyone -- whether they think the person is a stranger or not -- without checking with the adult who is in charge first."
Parents should begin with basic steps to protect their child in the event of abduction. Keeping recent photos on hand, participating in neighborhood child fingerprint programs and communicating with neighbors and school officials to report any suspicious people are some simple steps. In addition, educating children in schools and at home allows a child to be aware and prepared should a dangerous situation occur.
"Don't be afraid to speak to your children," Jones says. "Education is truly the greatest weapon they can have. Children do not have to be scared to be prepared. Listen to your children and practice with them what they would do in certain situations. Compliment them on their good thinking and good sense. Make them feel comfortable and empowered with the knowledge that they get so that they will feel capable of using it in the event of a problem."
Elissa Sonenberg, a mother of two in Cincinnati, Ohio, believes in developing and practicing a plan for her children against abductions.
Want to see more?
- Expert Q&A: What kind of things can parents do to keep children safe in urban areas?
- Expert Q&A: How can I talk to my children about safety without scaring them?
- Your Child's Strongest Ally: You
- Sexual Abuse: How to Prevent It
- How to Talk to Your Kids About Anything
- Run Yell Tell Ltd.
- Run Yell Tell: Safe Choices, Safe Children book excerpt
