What to Teach Children about Strangers
“Never talk to strangers.” Many children are taught this simple rule as a precaution against abduction. Yet abductions and kidnappings are almost always by individuals known to the child.
In June, 2005, an 11-year-old boy was lost in the Utah wilderness for four days. During that time, he stayed on the trail. He saw people searching for him but deliberately hid from them, afraid someone might “steal” him. Eventually, the unfortunate game of hide-and-seek ended and he was found.
According to the Canada Safety Council, this alarming incident shows how unwise it is to instill a fear of strangers in children. The “stranger danger” message can hinder children from developing the social skills and judgment needed to deal effectively with real-life situations. In a predicament, a stranger could be their lifeline to safety.
Strangers and Safety
When it comes to the relatively low risk of abduction and kidnapping, children are by and large taken away by people they know. This implies they need a sense of who to trust. Wandering off is more common — but a lost child may have to call upon a stranger for help, and must develop the ability to judge what kind of people to approach.
The “never talk to strangers” rule does not protect children in the situations they are most likely to face. On top of this, it can be confusing. Adults do not model the behaviour; they often talk to strangers. A child may not know how to define who is a stranger, and who is not. If strangers are dangerous, then they must look unpleasant. On the other hand, a friendly, attractive person must be okay. Even though the opposite may be true, that is how a child’s mind may work.
What Parents Can Do
For young children, nothing replaces close supervision. Pre-schoolers do not understand risk and tend to act on impulse.
Children need to develop habits and attitudes that will protect them from the real threats and dangers they may face.
What to do if they are lost or in danger — They should stay put (or in hazardous conditions, find the nearest safe spot), try to attract attention, and wait for a rescuer.
Where they live — Once children are in school, have them memorize their name, address and phone number in case they become separated from the family.
When someone makes them feel uncomfortable — Whether it’s someone they know or not, children should be taught to trust their instincts and to seek out an adult in whom they can confide.
Whom to ask for help if they get lost — For example, a uniformed officer, store, restaurant or information booth staff, a parent with children.
How to respond to situations — Practice “what if” scenarios, such as getting lost in a mall, being approached in a park, being offered a ride with a stranger. Many families use passwords; children ask anyone picking them up for the password.
The Canada Safety Council encourages parents to give their children age-appropriate positive messages about safety, bearing in mind how youngsters may perceive their world.