Stranger Danger
The danger to children
presented by strangers
Children enter the world with an open mind and often gullible at a young age this characteristic of young children can be taken advantage of. The phrase stranger danger is intended to sum up the dangers of children speaking to adults that they do not know. Stranger danger is vital for a child to know. If the child is ever in that situation they will have the right knowledge on what to do. The aim is to teach children to be safe, to be aware of predatory strangers, and to be self-protective. Teaching protective behaviors or ‘stranger danger’ is a delicate balance of raising awareness, without unnecessarily alarming children, or paralysing them with fear. It is equally important to emphasize that the majority of adults are caring, loving and responsible–not ‘bad people’, to globally fear.
So what do you exactly tell your children?
So what do you exactly tell your children?
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PRACTISE MAKES PERFECT!Once you have explained stranger danger you might be in a relief that your child is now known to the different situations. However!
Research shows children can quote or understand what mum and dad said but when in the situation they will often give in to the stranger, so......
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Statistics
Child abduction figures from the Australian institute of Criminology state that just over 750 abductions occur during one calendar year and children make up 20% of the cases. There were 603 abductions during 2010 and the number of victims of abductions increased between 2009 and 2010 by 39 people. However, the number of abductions in 2010 represents a 23 percent decrease since a peak in 2008, when 788 abductions were recorded.
Child Recovery will start looking for your child almost immediately. If necessary we will engage the services of other experienced investigators and professionals to assist in locating the whereabouts of your child. |
The circumstances surrounding child abduction are often quite different from the way they're shown in TV shows and movies. Here are some of the realities of child abduction: The kids and teens that are truly abducted, is more likely a family member or an acquaintance and strangers take 25% of kids. Almost all kids kidnapped by strangers are taken by men, and about two thirds of stranger abductions involve female children. Most abducted kids are in their teens. Kids are rarely abducted from school grounds.
What to do immediately if your child is missing
The first few hours are the most critical in missing-child cases, it's important to provide officials with information about your child immediately. If your child has been abducted, contact local law enforcement right away. They'll ask you for a recent picture of your child and will probably ask you many questions about the time and location you last saw your child and what your child was wearing. After notifying the authorities, try to stay calm. You'll be able to remember details about your child's disappearance more easily if you remain rational and logical.
Stranger Danger Song
ACTIVE PROTECTIVE BEHAVIOUR
Teach your child never to wander off or go out of sight.
- Teach your child to always walk with and stay with friends–to never go alone.
- Teach and practice saying NO loudly and repeatedly, if they are unsure.
- Teach your child to yell HELP, as loudly and repeatedly as possible, until they are heard. Predators hate noise and attention.
- Teach your child to find a safe adult (a policeman or a mum with a stroller) or a safe spot (if they are fearful) such as a school, shop or safety sign. However, don’t tell your child that all uniforms are safe as some predators may be wearing a uniform.
Make sure your child knows about their safe zones!
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Basic Protective Safety for Parents
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Websites that are useful and helpful for more information on Stranger Danger.