Stranger AwarenessHelping to make children aware of strangers, and how to remain safe whilst out in the community. |
Whilst the risk posed by strangers is rare, it’s really important to make children aware of simple tips they can follow to keep themselves a little safer.
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Who are Strangers? Most strangers are normal people who are nice, but a few may not be. Children see strangers every day in in the streets, in shops, at the park, and in their communities. Parents and carers can protect their children from suspicious strangers by teaching them about strangers and their behaviour. Strangers are anyone that children don't know well. Children often think that “bad strangers” look scary, like the baddies on the television. This isn’t true! Nice looking strangers can be just as bad. It is important to talk to children about strangers, and explain that no one can tell if a stranger is nice from how they look. It is important that they should be careful around all strangers. Children also need to be reassured that most strangers are good. If children need help, if they are lost, being threatened by a bully or being followed by a stranger then the safest thing for your child to do in many cases is to ask a stranger for help.
Safe Strangers Safe strangers are people children can ask for help when they need it. Police officers, Fire-fighters, Nurses, Teachers, Shop Assistants in large supermarkets and Security Guards, are adults your child can trust, and can be easy to recognise when they’re at work. If your child is in a place where they are unable to locate a helpful stranger in a uniform then your child should go to a public place to ask for help. You can help your child recognise safe strangers by pointing them out when you’re out in your community. Show your child places they can go if they need help, such as local shops, restaurants and the homes of family friends in your neighbourhood. |
This video on Stranger Danger is designed to highlight a few key points, to be used to help you have that important conversation with your child. It is aimed at children aged 4 - 11 years. For parents, carers, families, teachers, schools and centres for young people to use to raise awareness and generate discussion that helps children keep safe.
We would suggest that parents talk to their children about who their safe adults are and where there are safe places near you if help is needed. It’s also important to think about safety on the internet and use of mobile phone apps and games that have ‘chat’ functions as this can be just as dangerous as a stranger in the street.
Safer strangers, safer buildings campaignThe Safer Strangers, Safer Buildings campaign teaches children how to take responsibility for their own safety, should they get lost or feel unsafe. It helps children learn about the kind of strangers who are safe for them to speak to should they find themselves in a difficult situation, and the buildings they can go into if they need help. Rather than scaring children it equips them with the skills they need to stay safe. Three key points in the Safer Strangers, Safer Buildings safety code:
For Children If you get lost, or feel unsafe, and there are no adults around that you know and trust, look for a safer stranger who you can ask for help. If you can’t see a safer stranger outside, look for a safer building you can go in to, to ask for help from the people who work there. A safer stranger is a person who is working at their job which helps people. Safer strangers will usually be wearing a uniform. Safer strangers could be police officers, police community support officers, traffic wardens, shopkeepers, check-out assistants, paramedics and others. Safer buildings could be banks, post offices, libraries, medical centres, shops, supermarkets, leisure centres and others. |
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How can you help your child to stay safe?
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