Stranger Danger: The Tough but Necessary Talks Every Parent Must Have

When we were kids, many of us roamed the neighbourhood freely. Today, the world is very different, and parenting has to change with it. Children need real, practical rules to stay safe because strangers are everywhere and danger does not always look obvious.

We are all strangers to someone. The police officer visiting your child’s school is a stranger. The new pediatrician is a stranger. The principal at your child’s new school is a stranger. And yes, the person down the street with bad intentions is also a stranger. There is nothing in a child’s mind that separates the safe from the unsafe.

Society often teaches children that strangers are dangerous and familiar people are safe. Yet statistics show that most cases of child abuse, sexual abuse, and abductions are committed by someone the child knows, such as a family friend, relative, or neighbour. According to the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, around 90 percent of child sexual abuse cases involve someone known to the child.

This is why children need to focus on the action, not the person. If someone touches them inappropriately, tries to lure them, or offers rides, money, candy, toys, or clothes to get them to go somewhere, it does not matter if that person seems nice or familiar. Focusing on the behaviour empowers children to report it to a safe adult without confusion or hesitation.

Teach Appropriate vs. Inappropriate Touch

Children should learn to recognize inappropriate touch no matter who it comes from. Even touch from a family member or friend can be wrong. Teaching children to identify unsafe actions rather than judging the person helps them respond correctly.

Prevent Luring and Abduction

Children need clear rules to recognize unsafe situations. One simple, effective rule is:

Never go anywhere with anyone without permission.

No matter who asks them, unless a trusted adult gives explicit permission, children should not leave with anyone. This rule applies to strangers, neighbours, or even family members who might not have current authority. It also applies if someone offers rides, money, clothing, or other gifts. Permission should come from the adult responsible for the child at that moment, such as a parent, daycare worker, or teacher. This puts the judgement where it belongs with the adult.

Practice and Educate

Parents should talk to their children about safety regularly. Role-playing realistic situations helps kids practice saying no, leaving unsafe areas, and telling a trusted adult. Discuss scenarios where strangers may try to tempt them with gifts, rides, or promises. Courses, books, and safety resources can reinforce these lessons in age-appropriate ways.

Children who understand these rules are not scared. They are empowered. Parents who teach these lessons are taking one of the most important steps to protect their children in today’s world.