Following the recent surge in attempted abduction and kidnapping cases in the Western Cape as well as several other parts of the country, keeping one’s safe from harm should be a top priority to you as a parent.
In the last month alone, the Western Cape has heard of many cases of scholars either being abducted, or where the child has simply vanished without a trace.
One of the more recent cases occurred at Oval North High school in the township of Mitchell’s Plain where their school principal Nazeem Jacobs reported that two their learners were traumatised after nearly being abducted and thrown into a white vehicle.
Additionally, another story trending in the headlines was the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith.
However, while it is often impossible to look and take care of your kid at all times, there are certain life skills you may teach them – especially when encountering strangers.
Here are a few:
Start to teach them early on
As adults we are more aware of the fact that we live in a world where not everything we see is safe. However, your child does not know that. This is because for them life is simple and they are naïve.
This is why you need to teach your child about the dangers of speaking to adults who are strangers. According to lifestyle publication Cleveland Clinic, it is important that you don’t terrify your child, but educate them in a way that they will understand.
“Remind them to keep close to you in the store because you are their trusted adult.
“Explain to young kids that adults they don’t know shouldn’t ask for help from children. Safe adults don’t need children to give them directions. Safe adults who need help ask other adults — they don’t approach kids,” explains the above-mentioned source.
Define strangers and normalise safe behaviours
Cleveland Clinic explains that when you are dealing with a toddler, it is important to make it clear to your child that a stranger can be anyone that he or she does not know.
Additionally, it is important to teach your child what to do when coming into contact with someone he or she does not know. According to the above-mentioned publication, the best way to achieve this is by performing role plays that simulate different scenarios.
Teach them to trust their instincts
Lifestyle publication Very Well Health stress the fact that parents train their child to understand the power of saying “No.” This is extremely useful in the case that children feel uncomfortable or unsafe. It is then important to let them know that they are allowed to say no in a loud voice.
Also see: 5 Ways parents can help children deal with anxiety
