Would your child know what to do in the following situations? Ladies' Home Journal magazine shows some of the most common tricks used by child molesters, plus tactics for staying safe. Read the scenarios together with your child, and talk about how you can make the safety strategies a part of your daily life.
- A man carrying an armload of packages asks you to help bring a bag to his car. Tell your child: Adults should ask other adults, not kids, for help.- Someone you don't know pulls his car over and asks you for directions to the town library. Tell your child: Be wary, too, of any adult asking for directions. Take two giant steps back from the car and shout the information. If the stranger tries to grab you, be ready to run very fast in the opposite direction from the way the car is going.
- You're playing in the back yard when a neighbor strolls by and asks if you would like to play his new Sega Genesis game. Tell your child: Never go anyplace with anyone unless you check with a parent or a caregiver first, even if you're sure it's OK.
- You're home alone and someone phones to say he's doing a survey for your school. Can he ask you a few questions? Tell your child: Never give out any information to anyone who calls. Say, "You'll have to speak to my mom or dad. One second, please." Pretend to call a parent, wait a minute, then say, "My mom is busy right now. Can I take a message?"
- Your teenage baby sitter says he'll give you $5 if you play a secret game with him. Tell your child: Say no, and tell a parent as soon as you can. Be wary of anyone who tries to bribe you with money, gifts, candy, alcohol or drugs. Parents must pay attention to anyone who gives children unexplained toys, gifts or money. Find out where they came from and why they were given.
- You lost track of your mom at the shopping center. A nice man finds you and says, "Come with me; I'll help you find your mom." Tell your child: If you're lost, go to a store clerk behind the counter or at the register, or to a uniformed security guard, and tell him or her you're lost. To stay safe, remember to use the buddy system in stores or at the mall. That means never wander by yourself or go to the rest room or children's play areas alone.