Parents, community centers and schools have long done their best to teach children about the dangers of strangers, yet the research continues to show that youngsters willingly interact with strangers. Why? Because children are really vulnerable! To lessen your child's vulnerability, you should first have a fundamental understanding of how stranger offenders act and what makes your child vulnerable.
Who are the offenders?
Stranger offenders are those who kidnap and/or abuse children they have never met. They perceive children as objects to be used since they are vulnerable, helpless, and defenseless victims who can be easily influenced! These perpetrators range from passive exhibitionists to vicious murders, but they all present themselves as "good" people, friendly and safe despite the fact that children are vulnerable beings.
Now that your children are back in school and out of your sight, it is critical that you have a chat with them about the dangers that strangers may pose!
Teaching youngsters to be afraid of strangers is utterly unproductive! When we teach kids things like, "Don't talk to strangers or get in their car because they might take you away and we'll never see you again!" we are scaring them rather than protecting them. Instead of scaring your youngster, clarify that a stranger is anyone you don't know, and you can't tell if this person is good or bad based on his appearance, which is why you should be cautious when there are strangers around you.
It's also a good idea to encourage your children to greet and converse with new people when you're with them because you'll be in their presence and can oversee the situation. However, when they are alone and approached by a stranger, they should not converse with them and step away.
Safety tips to teach your children:
Help your child remember your region's emergency number, as well as your phone number, full name, and full address.
Teach your youngster to keep strangers at least an arm's length away at all times. Teach them to stand up, back up, and run to someone who can help them. Look for someone wearing a uniform, such as a police officer, grandparents, or adults with other children.
Never approach or take anything from strangers.
If a stranger approaches your kids in a car, instruct them to keep walking and never stop, no matter what the individual offers or says.
If you are seized by a stranger, do everything you can to prevent him from dragging you away or into a car. Scream, kick, hit, bite, and collapse on the ground.
Teach your children to trust their instincts; if they feel uneasy around a stranger, simply walk away.
Seek help immediately if they feel they are being followed or if something isn't right.
It is impossible to be constantly present with your children and safeguard them from all dangers. You can, however, teach and prepare them for every situation. So, don't underestimate the importance of having these conversations with your children, especially before they start to school!
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