How do I protect my child from "strangers"?

Basic question: First of all, you have to ask yourself: Who is a stranger to my child?

For a child, the following are usually NOT strangers:

• the grandpa/grandma of the girlfriend/boyfriend
• the postman
• the man who walks past the school every day with his dog

We want to protect you and your child from all contact situations!

Therefore, don't just discuss behaviors with your child in relation to strangers. Also prepare your child for unusual approaches!

Safe way to school/kindergarten

• Let your child walk with others!
• Your child must know that they do not have to talk to adults on the way!
• If someone offers your child a ride home, it should be clarified beforehand who your child may and may not ride with. If in doubt, it is always important that your child asks you first.
• Explain to your child that they are not allowed to get into cars or go into houses without your knowledge. Practise the sentence with your child: I'm not allowed! My father/mother has forbidden that!"
• Point out specific options to your child along the way where they can get help (this also applies to injuries and other concerns). Example: Mrs. XY lives here. You can always go there. - OR - Not only can you buy something in this store, but you can always ask the sales clerks if something is strange.
• Encourage your child to tell you about suspicious or strange situations on the way to school.
• Always let your child walk the same route and encourage them to stick to a time frame. This way, they know that you will be concerned if they are not on time and will check on them.

Does your child feel threatened or have a strange gut feeling about someone?

Behavioral tips for a response situation:

• Your child should know the 110 and know that they can always call there free of charge if they feel frightened by a person, for example. Explain to your child that there is a police officer on the phone at 110 to help. The police officer will ask their name and where they are at the moment.
• Your child should behave loudly and specifically draw other people's attention to themselves and speak to them: Example: leave me alone now! - OR - you with the dog, help me!"
• Even older children (or children who have been taught self-defense) should never go into a confrontation with an adult but should always: run away and shout loudly for help! This has nothing to do with cowardice! Adults are simply physically superior.

How do I inform my child and strengthen their self-confidence?

• Talk to your child in advance about the routes they take to school or hobbies.
• Explain to your child, without scaring them, that they should keep their distance from other young people and adults. There are more people with good intentions than with bad intentions. You just can't tell by looking at people.
• Encourage your child to always come to you with everything.

For your child

• Listen to your gut feeling!
• First ask mom or dad
• You don't have to talk to other adults/teenagers!
• Say "NO" or "LEAVE ME ALONE" out loud if you don't want something. This is not rude!
• Running away is allowed! Getting help is encouraged!
• The police will always help you as a child!

It is often only due to the thoughtless actions of adults when they approach children or offer them a lift, for example. Many suspicious reports received by the police later turn out to be harmless.

THerefore

Not everyone who approaches a child is up to no good.

Praise your child for confiding in you!

Believe your child and do not reproach them.

Avoid rumors and thus prevent hysteria or panic.

Report the incident to the police.

(Source: HSK police)