For many years parents have warned their children about strangers. Although the “stranger danger” mantra is quite catchy, is this the best way to protect our children from people that may hurt them?
Although parents often fear that strangers will abuse their children, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ (2005) Personal Safety Survey, only 11% of children victimised sexually were victimised by a stranger. More often, children are abused by someone they know such as relatives, neighbours or family friends.
Child abusers usually begin with the offender building trust and friendship. They are unlikely to fit the strange, lurking man at the park stereotype. And even if a child has not previously met the person, once the person introduces themselves and strikes up a conversation then guess what? This person is no longer a stranger! So you can see how warning children against strangers may not be the most effective way to teach personal safety. What do we do instead? Pattie Fitzgerald, a child safety expert from Safely Ever After suggests we teach children about Tricky People.
Books to start the conversation about personal safety: