Teaching your child about strangers.

As parents we look out for our children, we talk to them about crossing roadways, chasing balls into the street, playing with matches and dangers in the home. Most parents also talk to their children about "strangers" but often times this warning is inadequate. When asked, Children always know not to talk to strangers. However parents often times leave the child with that, not realizing that the child's perception of strangers may be different than the parents. The child has seen the parent talk to people all the time that are strangers to them but not to the parent. You greet people by their first name and often times they greet you and your child by your first names. The child becomes aware that just because they do not know the person, the person still may not be strangers. Statistics show that most child molesters and persons abducting children are known to the child, even if just an acquaintance. It is important to explain to your child the following:

1. A stranger is anyone who they do not know. Even if the person knows the child's name, parents name, or where the child lives.
2. If the child recognizes the person but does not know the person's name. They should consider the person a stranger.
3. Explain that the child should never take money, food, candy, etc. from anyone with out the parents permission.
4. Explain that the child should never go with anyone, go into anyone's house, or get into anyone's car without the permission of a parent.
5. If the child is approached by a "stranger" or by a "stranger's car" they should stay several feet from that person or vehicle. If the stranger begins to speak to them they should walk to the nearest person they do know and tell that person of the incident.
6. If a stranger attempts to grab or does in fact grab the child they should immediately start yelling for help. The child should throw their books or do anything that will make a responsible adult aware of a problem.

Avoid scaring the child. Explain that most people would never hurt them. Those that do are the exception and not the rule.

It is important that a parent has good communication with their child. The child must feel comfortable coming to a parent and telling them of an incident. Also explain to your child that there should not be any secrets between you and your child. If they have a secret they should tell you about it.

If your child tells you about an incident. Do not act shocked or outraged. Calmly talk to your child about the incident and reassure them that everything will be all right. Contact the police department if warranted.

Explain to your child that you will never send someone to pick up your child that your child does not know. The child should never go with anyone no matter what the person might say. "Your mother is working late, so she sent me to pick you up." or "Your father's truck broke down and he asked me to come pick you up."

Teaching your child about Good Touch / Bad Touch

Also talk to your child about good touch, bad touch. Explain that everything that is covered by their bathing suit are private area(s). Explain that no one should touch their private area. Tell the child that it is against the law for someone to touch their private area. Should someone (known or unknown) ask to see or touch their private area they should say "No" and then tell you, the parent. This also applies to an adult or older teenager asking the child to touch their private area.

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Copyright © 2000 Foster Township Police Department. All rights reserved.
Revised: Thursday, November 14, 2002