Safety Tips for Parents -- Keeping Your Child Safe From Strangers

1. Teach your child to Never talk to strangers, to Never take anything from a stranger, and to Never go anywhere with a stranger. Abductors typically use the following three things to get a child's attention: other children, animals, and gifts (such as candy, money, or games).

2. Teach your child to run away, yell loudly, and tell a trusted adult if he / she is approached by a stranger. If your child is on his / her bicycle, tell the child to hang on as tight as possible and keep screaming at the top of their lungs.

3. Do not let your child wear anything (clothing or backpack) that has his / her name or identifying information visible on the outside. Strangers can use this information to act as if they know your child.

4. Know your child's friends and their families. Know the child's given name, not just a nickname. Always have a phone number or other means of reaching your child.

5. Know where your child is at all times. Keeping him / her in direct eye contact is the best prevention of all.

6. Never leave young children unattended.

7. For older children, teach them to always use the "Buddy System". Teach them to take a friend along with them, which is practicing safety in numbers.

8. Practice and role play with your child / children these safety rules and what they should do if a stranger approaches them. Reinforce these rules at least once a month. Do not think that because you have spoken to your child once that is enough.

9. Teach your child / children to never wander off when they are with you. Teach them that if they do get separated from you, they should go to a security officer or checkout counter and tell the person in charge. Never leave the area without your child.

10. Children should always ask for, and receive, their parent's permission to go to a friend's home, a local park, etc.

11. Develop a code or secret password with your children in case of an emergency. If you have to send a friend to poick up your child / children after school, the kids will know it is OK with the code. Teach your child not to tell this code to anyone.

Other sources of information:

** "Are Your Kids Safe?"; Belleville News-Democrat; July 28, 2002
** "Preventing Child Abduction";
** "Keeping Children Safe From Strangers";
** "Safety Tips for Children Brochure"; Child Protection Education of America, Inc.;
** "Child Abduction Tips"; Danvers Police Department;

If you as a parent have any additional information or suggestions for this page, please feel free to get in contact with the guidance counselor (Mrs. G. OLivia Steptoe), the principal (Ms. Catherine E. Calvert), or the superintendent (Dr. Raelynn Parks).