by Gulrukh Tausif

Created on: December 19, 2008   Last Updated: September 02, 2010

STRANGER DANGER

A child goes out to buy candy from a local shop and never returns. Innocent children are snatched from streets and end up getting brutally sodomised in an empty house. They get whisked away from shrines, playgrounds, amusement parks and fairs and get sold into beggary or prostitution. These chilling stories are unfortunately true, commonplace and a testimony to the bestial depths man can sink into. They are also an indication of how much at risk our children are if we are even slightly negligent in our vigilance.

Our children are far more perceptive and intelligent than we give them credit for. It is always better to explain a few safety rules regarding strangers than to let them view the world through rose tinted glasses. Explain things in simple terms so that they understand without frightening them.

Never talk to strangers

From a very young age, children must be taught never to talk to strangers nor accept toys, gifts or sweets from them. Any offer to show something amazing' in the car, car trunk, back of the store or inside a house by a stranger must be turned down firmly.

Teach them to never trust a stranger who comes up to them and offers to take them home. Children must know that no matter how big an emergency, their parents would never leave them stranded in school, market, hotels or public areas without informing them or making alternate arrangements for their well being.

They should never go inside a house if their friends or their parents are not at home. They must ask for the friend to come out and receive them at the door and then enter with him or her.

Never trust a stranger

Sometimes we meet friendly strangers who seem very affectionate towards our children. If they offer to hold your child while you are getting on with your business, like paying bills or getting tickets, refuse their offer politely but firmly. Their wounded sensibilities or your good manners are of little consequence in face of your child's safety.

Familiarity breeds dangers

"I am going to wear my mother's ruby necklace that she is bringing home from the bank locker tonight with this red dress," an excited teenage girl happily confides to her tailor. Familiarity might breed contempt but over familiarity certainly courts danger. Teach your children, especially girls, to maintain proper decorum and distance from shopkeepers, tradesmen, tailors, etc. Children might trust these people because of our daily interaction with them but ultimately how much do we really

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