After a recent occurrence involving a young boy being approached in Waddell Street Canowindra, has prompted parents of the need to inform their children of stranger danger. The need to discuss stranger danger and what to do is very important to ensure our community remains safe.
Tips to tell your children:
Who is a stranger?
Children see stranger’s everyday on the street, in the supermarket and their neighbourhoods. Often a bad stranger won’t look terrifying and kids need to be informed of this. When not accompanied by an adult, children need to remember a stranger is anyone that your family doesn’t know well. There are identifiable people such as the police and firefighters that kids know are safe strangers but you should also help them identify other safe strangers such as local shop owners.
What to do when approached by a stranger
If a stranger makes you feel unsafe use the yell and tell technique. Yell for help and return to a safe area to tell someone what has happened. If a stranger ever asks you to get in their car, say no and use the yell and tell technique. Never talk to a stranger if you are alone or if they come into your yard. Go back inside and tell your parents. If a stranger calls you do not give out any personal information or let them know you are home alone.
With School holidays next week it is important to let your kids know the dangers of strangers. Children are often curious and need to know whom they should and shouldn’t speak to. This incident has prompted police to encourage parents to discuss ‘Safe People, Safe Places’ message with their children. Enjoy the holidays and but remember to inform your children of stranger danger.
By Taneil Thornberry