Non Stranger Danger Information





* Avoid blaming or being judgmental if your child ‘tells’.

* Be alert for a combination of warning signs of potential danger- the greatest indicator is a change in several behaviours- (but be aware that these are only warning signs- they may indicate other concerns):

* Any genital bruising, unusual genital discomfort or repetitive urinary tract infections

* Torn or missing under garments

* A return to bedwetting, nightmares or disturbed sleep

* Sudden onset of phobias, such as fear of leaving house or fear of dark

* Increase in anxiety, withdrawal or mood swings at unusual times

* Unusual aggression and/or violent or explicit drawings

* Self harming or secretive, inappropriate behaviour

* Resistance to being left with a previously trusted or liked adult.

* Unusual ‘clingyness’ around a particular person.

* Advanced sexual knowledge for their age

Stranger Danger Tips For Parents and Children

* ‘Stranger Danger’ is better referred to as a small part of teaching children protective behaviours.

* ‘Stranger Danger’ is only a very small part of protective behaviour work, as 85% of danger or abuse to children occurs with someone known to the child or trusted by the child.

* The Protective Behaviours Organisations have undertaken work for many years to protect children from all dangers and to allow them to be safe in all environments.

* Protective behaviour should focus on stranger danger, predators, relatives or friends and Internet or online risks.


* Teaching protective behaviours, or ‘stranger danger’ is a delicate balance of raising awareness, without unnecessarily alarming children or paralysing them with fear.

* It is equally important to emphasise that the majority of adults are caring, loving and responsible, not ‘bad people’, to globally fear.

* Of important note is that the majority of abuse of children occurs through people known to the child or close to them.

* As such, a typical child response that a stranger is a nasty, bad person, shows their immature naivety or lack of understanding.

* A typical predator will likely be dressed in friendly clothes, be funny or ingratiating, and more likely nice, enticing or bearing treats and offers.

* A stranger is any person that they do not know.

What To Tell Your Child About A Stranger

* Tell your child not to listen to nor be near a stranger – rather move away or back inside.


* Tell your child that strangers may make up sad stories, like looking for a lost pet, needing help with a sick child or needing directions.

* Tell your child that a stranger should never be believed, no matter what they say.


* Tell your child that you will never send a stranger to collect them. Make a list of the only, known people, you would send to pick them up.

* Tell your child to go immediately back inside and ask someone they know, if unsure.

Practise makes perfect

Having explained ‘stranger danger’ or protective behaviour you might breathe a big sigh of relief. However, research shows that kids often can quote what mum or dad said very well, but when placed in the situation, they more often still give in.


* Role play or practise a variety of strategies or other scenarios.



Active, Protective Behaviour

* Teach your child never to wander off or go out of sight.


* Teach and practice saying NO loudly and repeatedly, if they are unsure.

* Teach your child to yell HELP or CALL THE POLICE as loudly and repeatedly as possible, until they are heard. Predators hate noise and attention.

* Teach your child to find a safe adult (a policeman or a mum with a stroller) or a safe spot, if they are fearful, such as a school, shop or safety sign. However don’t tell your child that all uniforms are safe as some predators may be wearing a uniform.

A healthy balance

* Assure your child that most adults are loving, caring and trustworthy.




* Protect them from over exposure to graphic news stories.





* Affirm that you will listen and believe them.

Basic Protective Safety For Parents

* Always know where your kids are.

* Keep your kids within your sight or supervision.

* Be alert to other people around you, but not paranoid.

* Be alert to Internet threats – research shows predators are increasingly luring more mature kids through the Internet, such as online, through forums, chat lines and message systems.


* Install a ‘Net-Nanny’ or Parental Control Software program on your computer.

* Teach your child to never ever give out personal or private information.