Stranger Safety: Helping Kids Stay Safe

Keeping kids safe includes not only telling them to watch out for strangers but also teaching them how to stay safe and what to do if they feel scared or unsafe. Experts say it’s important to teach kids how to protect themselves in unsafe situations and we are here to help you teach your children the best ways to stay safe around strangers.   

Safety Lessons for Different Age Groups

We should start teaching children about safety early and to make sure the lessons are age-appropriate. 

• Preschoolers (Ages 3-5): Teach them their full name, address and phone number. Explain who they can trust and why they should never go anywhere with someone they don’t know.
• Elementary Kids (Ages 6-9): Teach basic safety rules like not accepting gifts or rides from strangers. Practice what to say in different situations by pretending or role-playing.
• Older Kids and Teens (Ages 10+): Talk about dangers like peer pressure and emphasize the importance of making good choices. Encourage them to always tell a trusted adult where they are and what they’re doing - this includes their internet activity as well.  

General Safety Tips

Here are some easy ideas to help keep kids safe:

• Family Code Words: Create a special word that only your family knows. If someone tries to pick up your child, they must say the code word. If they do not know the code word, then your child should say no and not go with them. They should then go and tell a trusted adult right away.  
• Use Technology Smartly: Using GPS or apps can be helpful to see where your child is but make sure to remind them to not share their location with people they do not know.  
• Online Safety: Remind children to not share personal information and to be careful when talking to strangers online.  

Let your kids ask questions and tell you if something feels weird. When you know their friends and what they’re up to, you can help them make smart choices every day! For more tips, visit HealthyChildren.org. 

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Navya Katragadda, DO

Pediatric Resident

Dr. Navya Katragadda is a California native who comes to Valley Children's from Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine and is in her second year of Postgraduate Residency. Dr. Katragadda is an advocate for providing equal healthcare access including preventative health and mental health measures to patients of all backgrounds. She strives to put patients at the forefront, following a collaborative and transparent approach to patient care. Learn more about Dr. Katragadda here.