Please make your child aware of the Top Tips in keeping safe around strangers.
1) WHO’S WHO?
A stranger is anyone that your child doesn't know or know very well. It's both common and dangerous for your child to think that ‘strangers’ look scary or sinister, like villains in films or cartoons. In a recent survey the majority of children aged between 5-8 thought this. Play a game with your child and ask them to draw a stranger, it will help you reinforce that a stranger can look like anyone. Tell your child that they won’t be able to tell if a stranger is nice or not, so all strangers should be treated in the same way.
2) DON’T GO - SAY NO!
If your child is approached by a stranger, encourage them to raise the alarm by saying 'NO' to draw attention. They should not be scared to do this and be told that it is the right thing to do. For children aged between 3-4, be careful not to scare them too much but start with “there are bad people so it’s very important you never…” All children should ask for help from other adults. Teach them to look out for people in uniforms such as police officers, or teachers and traffic wardens if they’re at the school gates. Teach your child this basic slogan, ‘DON’T GO, SAY NO’.
3) PLAN AHEAD
As obvious as it seems, please stress to your child that they should NEVER talk to a stranger, NEVER accept gifts or sweets, and NEVER walk off or get into a car with one. This is important if your child is between 5-8 as they are at their most vulnerable. This situation might arise if you are late collecting them from school for example, so agree a plan with your child that they know you will stick to if you are late. For example, teach them that you would only ever send a teacher from their school or a friend’s parent, that they recognise to collect them if you aren’t able to.Give your child your home, work and mobile numbers so they can reach you at all times, especially if they've aged around 9-11, as they will be spending more time on their own.
4) TIME TO TEACH
Tell your child that even if they are not sure if someone is a stranger they should always behave in the same way and not take risks. Teach them stock phrases to help give them confidence. For example: a child offered money or sweets should respond, 'No thank you. Please leave me alone’ It's important children don't think that talking to a stranger is ok if they're with a friend. Teach them they should only talk to someone they don't know if you are there by their side.
5) PRACTICE MAKES...
One way you can prepare your child is by practising scenarios. Try planning a game called, 'What if?' Discussing and thinking about what to do is often more helpful than having the 'right' answers. Ask them what to do if a stranger approaches them to help reinforce the advice ‘DON’T GO, SAY NO’
By practising these strategies in a fun way, your child will be as equipped as possible should difficult situations arise. It's important to have this conversation regularly, especially with young children so make time every 3 - 4 months. Remember ‘DON’T GO, SAY NO’