Two big no-no's. A stranger in a car offering candy. For illustrative purposes only. Zoltan here is one of our instructors, and a good guy.
What your children should know about stranger danger
Are all strangers bad people? No. Your children need to know this. But they also need to know that because we don’t know a stranger, we must be careful how we deal with them. Here are some rules that will help your children make wise decisions about their safety with strangers. There is a lot of information here, so it is better to discuss one area at a time with your children.
Being careful with strangers
Do not talk to strangers. Talking to them makes it easier for them to trick you. Say “go ask an adult”. This is not being rude, it is being safe.
Do not tell a stranger your name and address. It is none of their business.
Keep your distance from a stranger. You do not want them to get close enough to grab you. At least two arms lengths is a good rule of thumb. No one has the right to touch you or make you feel uncomfortable. Yell “No!” It is your right. Tell your parents as soon as possible if this happens.
Never accept a gift, candy, or anything from a stranger. Tell your parents if a stranger offers you something.
Never help a stranger if they ask you to find a lost dog, cat, or anything. This is likely to be a trick. Grown-ups who need help should ask other grown-ups.
Never help a grown-up with directions. Again, grown-ups should ask grown-ups for help.
Never go near a car with a stranger in it. Don’t get in any car without your parents permission. If a car stops near you, do not go near it.
Never go anywhere with a stranger, even if they say they know your parents. Your parents would never ask a stranger to pick you up.
Being careful outside
Don’t walk around alone, try to stay with friends, parents, or other relatives.
When you are out in public, make sure your parents can always see you.
Do not take short cuts through bush/park lands or down dark alleys. Stay on the heavily traveled streets, where there is lots of activity. Stay away from places where there are no people around.
Be alert to your surroundings. If you have your music blasting away on the iPod, it is hard to stay alert.
If you sense trouble
If someone is following you or chasing you, go to where there are lots of people and lots of bright lights. Bad guys don’t want witnesses. Run to a police station, fire station, a trusted neighbors house, or somewhere your parents say is safe.
Run away as fast as you can if you sense danger. It is better to run than to try to fight an adult who is three times your size. Strike, kick, scratch, and bite if you have no other choice.
If someone grabs you, yell at the top of your voice “I don’t know this person”.
Scream. Your voice is your best weapon. This will draw attention to the bad guy. Bad guys do not like attention.
Trust that little voice inside you that says “something about this person is not right”. The little voice is rarely wrong.
Kids home safety
Know your home/parents phone number and your address. Also know how to call emergency.
Never answer the door alone. Make sure your parents are in the room if you answer it.
Never tell a phone caller your name or address. If you are home alone, tell them your parents are busy and will call them back. Never, ever tell them you are alone.
Martial arts can help
Martial arts can give kids a last line of defence against attackers, but their best defence is being smart about stranger danger. Help your children to be smart by taking the time to make sure they understand these important rules.
Top Twenty Kids Stranger Danger Tips for Child Safety is an original article by Sensei Matt Klein
Good advice Matt,
My oldest son had an incident when he was about 10. He was walking along a busy street and a truck started pacing him. When the truck moved ahead and parked to block him – a couple of lady walkers started yelling to him – run!
My son ran around the truck and straight home – by the time I got out there the truck was gone.
It is one thing to respect elders that are vetted by one’s parents to a point but that should not imply to universal acceptance of “all adults” as some parents teach their children. I like your advice.
You bring up a very good point here, John. It is better to walk on the side opposite traffic when possible as it makes it difficult for people in cars to follow you. If this is not possible, it is a good safety tactic, when being followed, is to turn around and go the opposite way, as it makes it very hard for them to follow you without creating suspicion.
Luckily for your son the ladies were there to look out for him. Your last comment is especially relevant as much of the abuse that happens today is by someone they know. Trusting “all adults” is a big mistake as you point out.
Thanks for commenting John.
Man, that guy in the picture looks so shifty.. and look at that creepy smile, if you ask me he’s up to something..
Great blog Matt, You never can be too careful and kids are just unaware of these things like consequences well into their teens.
Yes, I tried to find the photo of the biggest, baddest, meanest dude I could find. Guess who’s photo came up? lol. Thanks for commenting Zoltan.
Man, that guy in the picture looks so shifty.. I see him hanging around Mona Vale Primery School all the time in a long dark Trench Coat.
Yeah, I think they call him Captain Korn or something. Keep a close eye on him. lol
Great advice Matt and perfect timing as after Karate on Saturday wandering around the shops, a man offered my son chocolate from his bag – in front of me! Bizarre! When I declined (and quietly pointed out that my boy is an orange belt and knows the creepy guy in the photo 🙂 ), Zac said to me – but Mum I like chocolate! So we had the big stranger danger talk and now I can show him your tips. It will cement what I have told him and hopefully have an impact. Thanks.
Yes, that creepy guy in the photo is enough to make us all quake with fear. Glad your son has learned his lessons Amanda.
LOL!