Stranger Awareness

The term "stranger" is often a difficult one for children to understand. A stranger is someone that the child does not know and has nothing nothing to do with their physical appearance. Many children are abducted every day by "nice clean looking people" or "harmless looking" people without whom they are acquainted. Parents should be ever vigilant in warning their children about strangers in general terms and not in some descriptive category. They should teach their children to recognize potentially dangerous situations and avoiding them at all costs. The following are some rules for safety you should be sure your child understands and follows regularly:

  • Teach your child to be aware of his or her surroundings and the behaviour of the people around him or her.
  • Teach your child not to be too trusting. Strangers who tell your child they were sent by his parents are not to be believed. You might consider setting up a "secret code word, password, or phrase" with your child to ensure they go with someone who has been authorized by you in the event you need someone to pick up your child. It is also your responsibility to call the school if you are sending someone else to pick up your child. Make sure your child knows to go back to the office if the person picking them up does not know the password.
  • Teach your child not to accept gifts from strangers and to avoid being alone with overly friendly adults who try to touch him or her in any way. One ploy is for the offender to seek the assistance of a child to find a lost puppy. Teach your child not to go with anyone no matter what the reason
  • Teach your child to avoid playing alone in deserted areas.
  • Teach your child to report any suspicious behaviours he witnesses or experiences.
  • Teach your child to use the buddy system when using public facilities such as the restroom.
  • Teach your child to run in the opposite direction if a car is following him or her.
  • Teach your child to seek help from "helpful strangers" such as store clerks, police officers in uniform, firemen in uniform, or other reliable authorities when in danger.
  • Port Hope has the benefit of the Block Parents so you should familiarize your child with the red and white signs. If a child is hurt or ill, alarmed by strangers, bullied by other children, or bothered by animals they should know that a home with the Block Parent sign is available to them.

Answering the Phone or Door
All the rules about strangers hold for answering the phone or the door when your child is at home. It is most important when your child is at home alone. Here are some safety tips that should be followed:

  • Lock all doors and windows when you leave.
  • Never answer the phone by saying your first or last name.
  • If a caller asks your name, ask them who they wish to speak with, if they cannot name someone in your family, hang up.
  • If a caller asks, "what number is this?" ask him what number he is looking for.
  • Never let a caller know you are alone. Tell him your parents are unavailable to come to the phone and take a message.
  • Never give your address over the phone.
  • If you receive a rude or obscene phone call, hang up right away and push star 69 to find out where the call came from. When the operator tells you the number, write it down.
  • Never agree to purchase anything over the phone.
  • Always ask, "who is it?" before answering the door. If you do not know the person, do not open the door. If the person does not leave, call the police.
  • Be sure all emergency numbers, including a reliable relative or friend are listed directly by the phone. Make sure you know how to use the emergency buttons on the phone for 911 but remember only use it in an emergency.

Street proofing is an important lesson for children in these times. It is up to parents, educators and service providers to make sure our children are safe. If you have any questions or require further information on this subject, feel free to call the Port Hope Police Service and speak with an officer.