CHILDREN are weak, helpless and defenseless innocents, something which makes them easy prey for people who may want to hurt them. It is a parent's duty to protect children from predators, and to educate them about the rules when dealing with strangers which will reduce their risks of being abused.

Educating a child does not mean that you tell them "don't talk to strangers" and that's it. This is because for most children, a stranger might be someone who looks scary. This misconception should be broken as soon as possible as predators can be handsome and intelligent. As a parent you would have to give them more specific guidelines and instructions to safeguard them, but at the same time not make them fearful or withdrawn.

Parents must also distinguish between good and bad strangers when teaching children about strangers. To teach them that everyone besides a family member or close friend is a stranger can also be detrimental, as situations might arise where they might want to speak to an adult. Therefore teachers, policemen and principals are "good stangers" they can ask for help if no one else is around. Family members and close friends of the family can be abusers or molestors as well. Thus it is not always easy to determine good strangers from bad strangers. Parents must therefore help children to recognise warning signs of suspicious behaviour.
Such warning signs that might let them know not to trust the individual include when the person tells them to disobey parents; do something without their permission; asks them to keep a secret or asks them for help.

Here are some ways to protect your children from 'bad' strangers:

1. Teach your child to walk in groups when coming from school or activities. It is always important that they have someone else walking with them in case something happens. Predators are also most likely to attack a child when they are walking alone rather than in a group. There is safety in numbers.

2.Teach your child to be aware of "nice people". These are the kind of persons who might offer them a ride or someone who gives them sweets to earn their friendship. Also teach them about persons who might ask for help in getting something from the car. Should this happen, inform them that they should scream as loud as they can and tell a trusted adult about it.

3. Make a game of teaching them about safe people. For example while shopping or in the park ask them to identify the security guard or the police officer.

4.Teach your children never to enter someone else's car or take food and drink from anyone without your permission.

5.Teach children that they should scream if someone else makes them uncomforatble. They should inform you of their discomfort as well so that you can take other precautionary measures and investigate further.

6.Teach your children a code word that only you or other family members and trusted friends know. In case you cannot pick them up from school and you have to send someone else, that person can use the code word to prove that they were actually sent by you. The code word should be changed regularly though to ensure that unwanted persons do not know it.

7. Teach your child his/her name, address and telephone number. Have them practice how to say and spell them on a daily basis. It is advisable that you have this information in their bags, in case they get lost.

8.Teach your child what they should do if they get lost anywhere that you are likely to take them.

9.Teach them the name of their father and mother so they will know in case they get lost and someone asks.

10. For children, there is no substitute for supervision. It is always important that a trusted individual is always supervising your child.

While the world can be a place filled with fun, children must also be reminded that the world can be a scary place. This is not to frighten them in any way, but it is let them know that they have to be alert.

- allwoman@jamaicaobserver.com

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