One of the first things parents teach their children, especially concerning safety, is to never talk to strangers. While it's a sound lesson, telling them not to talk to strangers could actually do more harm than good in certain situations and prevent them from seeking help from "safe strangers" like police officers and doctors when needed.
As parents, it's out goal to teach children how to ask for help or make new friends. Those require talking to strangers on some level.
Fortunately, there are several ways to approach this topic and teach your child practical safety skills while also making sure they stay safe when socializing in public.
Teach Them Signs of Concerning Behavior
It is okay for children to speak to strangers in public, but teach them to be aware of concerning behaviors and how they should go about it. For example, teach them that adults should not ask kids for help.
Kids should also be taught never to follow strangers if they ask to show them something without their guardian coming with them. Additionally, strangers should never ask kids to keep secrets from their parents.
Parents should also encourage their children to listen to their gut feelings and speak up if they don't feel comfortable.
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Teach Them That Engagement Is Optional
Children should be taught that they are not required to respond right away to a stranger or continue a conversation if they are uncomfortable. Teach them that they can walk away and that how much they engage with other people is always their choice.
You can use role-playing exercises and scenarios to empower your children. Practice saying "no" and expressing discomfort in a safe environment. This helps them prepare for instances where a stranger pressures them to engage.
Teach Them To Recognize "Safe Strangers"
Lastly, teach your children to recognize people who can help them in times of need. This includes uniformed individuals like police officers and security guards as well as community helpers such as teachers and store employees.
Children should also be given emergency numbers to call and information they can share with others when they need help. This includes their full name, their parents' name, and the contact information of their guardian.
