STRANGERS:

What is a stranger? Most people would agree that a stranger is a person you don't know. When we educate our children, almost all parents tell their children not to talk to strangers. But think about this for a moment. If your child gets lost and needs help, isn't it all right for them to ask a police officer for assistance? When your child attends the first day of school and enters a new classroom, isn't it all right for your child to converse with the new teacher? If the teacher asks your child their name, and they answer without a second thought, isn't your child talking to a stranger? These are interesting questions that need to be addressed.

Most parents want their children to grow up being polite, respectful and friendly to other people. Often the abductor will approach the child and begin initiating seemingly innocent contact. The approach is usually subtle and the abductor tries to get to know the child, and even become their friend. Parents should be alert to the possibility that this is happening, and the child should be made aware of this type of deceit.

PERSON IN AUTHORITY:

You don't want your child growing up thinking that ALL strangers are bad people. Some of your best friends were once strangers, weren't they? There are some strangers who are there to help your child should they need assistance, such as a police officer, a security guard at a mall, a teacher or school official, a crossing guard, the manager of a department store or the counter person at a fast food establishment. Given certain situations and circumstances, a person who is in a position to help your child is referred to as a PERSON IN AUTHORITY.