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Know! To Talk
Teen Stranger Danger
5/31/2017
If you’re a parent or other caregiver of teens, you likely have had
repeated “stranger danger” talks with them when they were younger. You
taught them not to talk to strangers. You warned them not to fall prey
to the stereotypical child lure of being offered candy to get into
someone’s car, and so on. Those types of stranger danger safety
conversations, though critical for little ones, tend to decrease as our
kids get older. Child safety experts say however, that those
age-appropriate type safety talks are critical for older children as
well and need to continue into and throughout their teenage years.
According to the FBI, it is our teenagers that are by far the most
frequent victims of nonfamily abductions and that the victim was
kidnapped within a quarter of a mile from their home. If this makes
your heart beat faster just thinking about it, you’re not alone.
The following tips are compiled from multiple child safety experts to
help your teen avoid potentially dangerous situations and help us, as
parents, breathe a little easier.
Here’s what to share with them:
Always tell an adult (preferably a parent) where you’re heading. That
way, if you’re faced with a risky situation, your family and friends
will know where to find you. Keep your parent(s) updated on any plans
that may suddenly change.
Don’t travel alone. There is safety in numbers. It can be especially
risky to hang out at places like the mall or the park by yourself.
Stay on the main routes and avoid shortcuts that take you through
isolated areas.
If someone you don’t know or don’t feel comfortable with offers you a
ride, say NO.
If you are approached by an adult for help or for directions, stay
alert, as this may be an attempt to draw you in closer. And keep in
mind, adults should ask for help or directions from other adults, not
children.
Be aware of other teenage lures. Instead of candy, you may be offered
things like alcohol or drugs to get into someone’s car.
If anyone follows you, bothers you or makes you feel uncomfortable, get
away from him or her as quickly as you can, then be sure to tell a
parent, teacher or other trusted adult.
One of the most important tips – TRUST YOUR GUT! If something doesn’t
feel right, don’t do it. Do not be concerned with being impolite or
hurting someone’s feelings.
If someone does get a hold of you and tries to take you somewhere, do
everything in your power to quickly get away and yell, “This person is
trying to take me away!” or “This person is not my father (mother)!”
Keep in mind, this is not a one-time conversation. These tips need to
be shared with your teen repeatedly. Just think back to how many times
you had to remind them to look both ways before crossing the street. It
takes hearing this information time and again to really sink in.
Some parents may be hesitant about having this conversation with their
children, fearing it will “scare” them. Child safety experts, however,
encourage you to dismiss that notion and say that teaching kids about
safety doesn’t scare them, it empowers them.
Learn how to get the drug prevention conversation started at
StartTalking.Ohio.Gov.
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