How You Can Be Safe - Strangers & Children

• Teach your children what a stranger is: not necessarily what a person looks like or the clothes they wear. If a child does not personally know the individual or has not been introduced to that individual by their parents… they are to be considered a stranger!
• Have a “code word” shared with your child. If a stranger asks the child to come with them, all the child has to do is ask for the “code word.” If Mom or Dad did not tell the person the code word, the child does not go with them.
• If the child is grabbed by a stranger, tell them not to scream or cry. Rather, yell “He’s not my Daddy” or “She’s not my Mommy.”
• If your child is ever unsure about someone's intentions, teach them to trust their feelings and run away.
• Know the safest route to and from school and instruct your children to follow that route.
• Know the length of time it takes your child to walk to and from school.
• Immediately check any delay in arrival home.
• Know your children’s playmates and where they congregate.
• Instruct your children to report to you suspicious persons or attempts by unknown adults to approach them or become friendly with them.
• Instruct you children not to accept rides or gifts from anyone without your approval.
• Tell your children to check with you before going anywhere with anyone.