Strangers and Lures

About strangers

Children have a hard time with the concept of a stranger. They generally think of strangers as monsters in the dark, or shady looking individuals. This concept is especially important to push with younger children (3-6). Studies have shown that a parent not only needs to tell children to stay away from strangers, but they also need to teach the definition of a stranger.

Clearly define who a stranger is. That a stranger is anyone who they do not know well. Strangers don’t look mean or different, they look like normal people. It is just anyone they are not familiar with. Strangers are mostly good people. But we don’t know them, and we can’t tell by looking whether or not they are good or bad. Because of this, we need to stay away from all strangers.

·	Tell children that the only time they are allowed to talk to strangers is if they have their parents or another adult by their side.

Lures
Teach children that strangers sometimes might try to trick them to get them to go somewhere with them, so that they can take them away. This is called a lure. Teach children these concepts about a lure:

·	Review some of these common lures listed below. Encourage a discussion on how they would feel if someone actually asked them:

1)	Would you like to come see my puppy?

2)	I’ve been going up and down the street looking for my lost puppy and haven’t been able to find him. Can you come help me look?

3)	I’ve got a gun in the car. Get in with me right now or I’ll shoot you.

4)	Your mom was in a car accident and she’s at the hospital, she sent me to come pick you up and take you there.

5)	I’m going to the school right now, would you like a ride?

6)	Excuse me, I was wondering if you could come show me the way to the police station.

7)	I found this backpack laying on the side of the road and I was wondering if you could come look at it and tell me who it belongs to.

·	Tell children that they should never believe a stranger or go anywhere or do anything with a stranger, no matter what that person says. Even if they know your name or your parent’s name, or if they claim to know your parents, don’t believe them. Never go with a stranger.

·	If someone in an unmarked car says they are a policeman, even if they are wearing a uniform or show you a badge, find an adult around to check them out before you go with them.

·	Teach kids that an adult would never try to get a strange kid to go anywhere with them, because this is not normal behavior. If an adult is doing this, it is only because they are doing something they shouldn’t be.