Teaching Children about Strangers!

There are allegedly one million child abductions or children going missing each year in America - that's an astonishing number! It's important to demonstrate and guide our children on safe conduct when out and about so as to keep them safe.

Here are a few tips to tell pre-school children:

• Strangers - explain the difference between a stranger (someone you don't know) and an unknown person who can be of help (policeman, lollipop lady etc)
• Explain that if they are lost, it is okay to approach a staff member in a shop to ask for help.  Show them the uniform and where the staff tend to congregate
• Try to instill the idea that they can ask a stranger for help if necessary, but they should not go anywhere with a stranger that approaches them
• Make it clear that no stranger should ever touch them and that they can so "no" if they are not sure of anything
• You need to explain that if anyone tries to take them anywhere, they can scream, kick and shout for help and say "I do not know this man/woman!"
• They should never answer the front door
• They should never get into a car with anyone

Here are a few tips to remember:

• Never leave a child unattended: in a car, buggy or anywhere in public
• Never let your child go to public toilets alone
• Never let your child go anywhere alone even if it's a school event or popping to the shops somewhere near your home
• Never ask anyone to mind your child while you do something
• Always keep them close by in busy places
• Have a rule should you become separated: always meet in the entrance of the shop or by the pay point.