Predators Targeting Tween and Teen Girls - Do my kids know how to stay safe?

It can happen in any community...predators.  

There have been several recent incidents in our surrounding communities, alone.

"According to police, a 12-year-old girl was walking on U.S. Highway 12 from the Blackhawk Motel to Virk’s Mart when, a short distance from the motel, a van pulled up next to her. Police state that the driver of the van then coerced the girl into the vehicle, drove to Pines Park on Birch Street, and after parking the van fondled the girl." (source)

"Valparaiso police are investigating a second report of a man in a van approaching a teen girl in Beauty Creek Subdivision.

A 15-year-old girl was walking home in the area of Kickbush Drive and Knights Bridge Drive when police said a man driving a white van asked if she wanted a ride home." (source)


What Can Parents do?
In addition to teaching children how to recognize and handle dangerous situations and strangers, there are a few more things parents can do to help their children stay safe and avoid dangerous situations.

• Know where your children are at all times. Make it a rule that your children must ask permission or check in with you before going anywhere. Give your children your work and cell phone numbers so they can reach you at all times.
• Point out safe places. Show your children safe places to play, safe roads and paths to take, and safe places to go if there’s trouble.
• Teach children to trust their instincts. Explain that if they ever feel scared or uncomfortable, they should get away as fast as they can and tell an adult. Tell them that sometimes adults they know may make them feel uncomfortable, and they should still get away as fast as possible and tell another adult what happened. Reassure children that you will help them when they need it.
• Teach your children to be assertive. Make sure they know that it’s okay to say no to an adult and to run away from adults in dangerous situations.
• Encourage your children to play with others. There’s safety in numbers!   (source)

Who are safe strangers?

Obviously, not every stranger, that your child does not know, is dangerous. There are many helpful and good people in the world that can be trusted. Safe strangers are people children can ask for help when they need it.

• Police officers 
• Firefighters 
• Teachers
• Principals
• Librarians

Whenever possible, children should go to a public place to ask for help.You can help your children recognize safe strangers by pointing them out when you’re out in your town. Also show your children places they can go if they need help, such as local stores and restaurants and the homes of family friends in your neighborhood.  Many businesses and organizations have the "safe place" sign posted visibly. (source)

The dangers of predators are not limited to online or "questionable neighborhoods". Child predators and sex trafficking are growing problems throughout so many communities in the nation and world. It's so important that we continue reminding and teaching our children to be aware, be smart and trust their instincts.

Let's work together to keep kids safe!!