Teaching Children to Avoid Stranger Danger

Explain simple rules for staying safe.

Try practicing or role-playing situations involving the use of these rules with your child.

• "It's okay to talk to someone if I'm with you or when I tell you it's all right."
• "Grown-ups who need help should ask other grown-ups, not children, for help. This includes carrying a package or finding a place or a lost puppy."
• "Stay near me or the grown-up with you in public places, such as stores or parks."
• "If you're not close to us, stay an arm's length or more from someone you don't know. Back up or run for help if an unfamiliar grown-up gets too close. Scream and kick if a stranger grabs you."
• "If you get lost, find a police officer, security person, or store clerk. If separated from me or the grown-up you're with in a public place, such as at a store or shopping mall, stay in that spot until someone finds you."
• "Don't go anywhere with someone you don't know."
• "Never take anything from a stranger."
• "Listen to your feelings. If you're scared, get away and look for someone to help you."