3 Reasons to Retire “Stranger Danger”
So what does “Stranger Danger” really mean?
When questioned, children will often describe a “stranger” as someone who is “ugly or mean”.
They don’t perceive nice-looking or friendly people as “strangers.”
And that’s the problem. Because we all know that good looking, nicely dressed people can be just as dangerous to our children… if not more dangerous than the obvious, “ugly” ones.
The folks at The National Center For Missing & Exploited Children feel it’s time to get rid of this message once and for all.
Here’s Why:
1. Kids Don’t Get it
2. Adults Don’t Practice It
3. It Doesn’t Go Far Enough To Protect Our Children
Think about this comment from their National Safety Director:
When we tell children to “never talk to strangers,” we have effectively eliminated a key source of help for them if they are in trouble. If they’re lost they may be surrounded by many “strangers” who could conceivably help them if they would only ask for it. Since we know parents and guardians can’t be with their children every second of the day, we need to give children “safety nets” of people they can go to if they need help. Those individuals may include uniformed law-enforcement or security officers; a store salesperson with a nametag; the person in an information booth at a mall or other public venue; or a mother with children.
Makes a lot of sense. Maybe “Stranger Danger” does need to take an early retirement.
Practice these tips with your kids. It can literally mean the difference between life & death.
Remember… it’s your job to protect your children!
Prepare. Prevent. Protect.
Read more about the NCMEC here: www.missingkids.com
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