(HURON COUNTY, ON) – The school year is quickly coming to a close and with summer nearly here children will be spending more time on their own outside. It may be a game at the park, a bike ride with friends or a walk around the block. Whatever the situation, children need to know what to do if confronted by a stranger. Educating children about stranger safety and what to do if confronted by a stranger should be a priority for all parents. Huron County is a very safe and great place to raise children however children can be vulnerable at times and may fall victim to a stranger attack if they fail to recognize potential dangers.
A discussion with your child about stranger safety will instill confidence in your child and will guide them into making sound decisions. An important thing to remember when talking to your child is you don’t want to increase fear and anxiety. Avoid those scary stories and focus the conversation on how to be safe. Be matter of fact with your children and tell them strangers for the vast majority are good people and are not looking to cause them harm.
So, what should I tell my child? Here are some suggestions.
A stranger can look like anyone; it is just someone your child doesn’t know.
Teach your child to keep a safe distance from someone approaching them.
Children should know their name, age, telephone number, and home address.
Children should know when and how to contact police in case of an emergency.
Discuss with your child what happens when you dial 9-1-1.
Children should keep their parents informed of their whereabouts at all times.
Children should make noise and run to safety in case of an emergency.
If a child is grabbed by a stranger they should yell and fight back.
If your child is touched in an inappropriate way teach your child to say, NO” and tell your child to get away and tell an adult they trust.
Children should be told to run away from a stranger if that stranger bothers them or makes them feel uncomfortable.
Children should never give out personal information to strangers.
Children should be taught to never accept rides from strangers.
Wherever possible