Young Children Should:
- Never say they are along if they answer the phone; they can offer to take a message or say their parents will phone back.
- Never answer the door if they are alone.
- Not invite anyone into the house without the permission of a parent or babysitter.
- Not go into people’s house with letting anyone know where they are.
- Never get into anyone’s car without parent’s permission.
- Not take candy or other gifts from strangers or anyone else with asking a parent first.
- Never play in deserted buildings or isolated areas.
- Scream “fire! help me!” and scatter books and belongings if they are forces toward a building or into a car.
- Move away from a car that pulls up beside them if they do not know the driver.
- Be taught their full telephone number and address.
- Be taught that it’s alright to say “no” to an adult if the person wants them to do something you’ve taught them is wrong.
- Know that no one has the right to touch any part of their bodies that a bathing suit would cover.
- Tell you, school authorities or a police officer about anyone who exposes private parts.
- Tell you if someone has asked them to keep a secret from you.
- Go to the nearest cashier if lost or separated from you in a store or mall.
Teens Should:
- Tell you where they are at all times or leave a written or recorded message at home.
- If attacked for money, jewelry or clothing, give it up rather then risk injury.
- Avoid shortcuts through empty parks, fields, laneways or alleys.
- Run home or go to the nearest public place and yell for help if they are being followed.
- Feel that they can talk to you and call you to pick them up any time, any place.
Parents Should:
- Avoid clothing and toys with your child’s name visibly on it. A child is less likely to fear someone that knows their name.
- Never leave a child alone in a public place, stroller, or car. Not even for a minute.
- Always accompany young children to the bathroom in a public place and advise them never to play in or around the area.
- Keep an up-to-date color photograph of your child, a medical and dental history and have your child fingerprinted.
* Master Phoenix Le Grand, PhD M.A.
