Most children tend to be trusting of adults and unaware of common lures used by predators to entice them into dangerous situations. Explain what a lure is and share examples, so that they are not caught off-guard. For example, an adult might pull their car over and ask a child if they have seen a lost pet. Another common ploy is to offer a child a treat if they will come closer to the car. Be clear with children that they are not to talk to stranger, help an adult or go near a strange car. Instead, they should run away and tell parents or teachers about the interaction.
Train your child to take action immediately if he or she experiences a situation that makes them feel ill at ease or is scary. Instruct them to run away from a stopped car and use their voice to call attention to their fear. An adult with bad intentions will shy away from a noisy child and is less likely to run after a child in broad daylight. Children need to learn that they have power if they know how to use their voice and legs. Teach them to run to a school, business, fire station or nearby home if a strange car pulls up next to them.
Teaching children about adults that are safe and can be trusted is critical. Children can be at risk when interacting with people they know. Create a list of close relatives or friends that can be trusted and let your child know that these adults are the only people who can provide rides or deliver important information. Impress upon your child that if someone who is not on the list tries to pick them up, they are to politely decline. If your child memorizes the list and understands the rule about safe adults only, they will apply this to any situation involving a stranger.
Teach students to be proactive. Discuss ways they can be mindful of their surroundings. For example, let them know that they should never get into a car with an adult unless a parent has instructed them to do so. Make sure they know that they are not to hitchhike or ask a stranger for a ride. Teach them how to say no and to move away from a car or an adult if it stops near them. Have them practice resisting someone so that they are prepared to get away. Teach them how to call 911 if an adult in a strange car confronts them.