Training Your Kids to Avoid Predators

Many of us remember the old saying, “Don’t talk to strangers.” But these days with social networking websites, cell phones and more independent kids it’s sometimes hard to differentiate between a “stranger” and a new friend. Although times have changed, the dangers children face haven’t. They need to know the best ways to protect themselves and avoid predators.

Former FBI profiler, Clint Van Zandt has tips you probably didn’t think to tell the kids:

1. Adults and other people who need help should not be asking a child for help; they should be asking other adults
2. People should not ask you to keep a “special secret.” If they do, tell your parents or teacher
3. Tell anyone who wants to take your picture without an adult nearby, “no” then let an adult know about the person asking.
4. Create a special code word with your kids to convey a message of a problem
5. Tell your child to avoid shortcuts to school and identify safe houses along the way that your child can run to and get help needed.
6. Insure your child does not have his/her name on their backpack. Predators often call kids by their first names; confusing your child into thinking they know them.
7. You have a right to say “No” to any person that makes you feel uncomfortable
8. If in the street and someone tries to grab you, wrap your arms and legs around the nearest traffic sign, mailbox or other fixed object and yell.
9. If a kidnapper points a gun at you, run away. Most assailants don’t want to attract attention by firing a gun and probably can’t hit you anyway.
10. Don’t not under any circumstances ever add someone as a friend online, if you don’t know them