Every parent who tells their child, "Don’t talk to strangers," is performing a disservice that probably causes more harm than good. A confining and negative declaration based on bad information, it is a holdover from a time of limited awareness. Only 14% of sexual offenders are strangers to their victims, and for male victims under age twelve, 40% of offenders were family members compared with 47% of the offenders of females under age twelve. "Don’t talk to strangers" sends a mixed message to children who watch us consistently converse with strangers, and it eliminates viable safety options such as women, police officers in uniform or other children, to name but a few, for endangered children. Click here to see an interview with Marc about this.
Children
I will always tell my parents where I am going and when I’ll be home and return home before dark.
I will always play or go places with at least one other person - NOT alone.
I know my body belongs to me. I will trust my feelings. I will say NO and run away from a situation that doesn’t feel right.
There are certain kinds of strangers that can assist me when I need help. For instance: mothers with children, other children, police in uniform or store clerks in the mall.
I will walk and play at places my parents said were OK. I will avoid shortcuts or alleys.
I will not allow adults to trick or force me into going places or doing things like; help find pets, carry packages, take pictures, play games, or take drugs with them. I will always check with my parents first.
I will not accept candy, money, gifts or rides from any adult without my parent’s permission.
I will always lock my home and car doors. I will not tell anyone that I am home alone.
I will learn to dial 911. I will learn to use the pay phone without money. I will learn my address and phone number.
I will always walk against traffic on the sidewalk.
Parents
Maintain current ID, including photograph, video and fingerprints.
Maintain current addresses and phone numbers of your children’s friends.
It is important to keep all doors and windows locked.
Do not advertise your child’s name on clothing, school supplies or backpacks.
