***Press Release***
The Sterling Police Department recommends the following tips regarding stranger safety for parents and their children.
Please remember studies have repeatedly shown children less than eight years of age can easily be lured by strangers with promises of such things as candy or kittens. Parents should take full responsibility to ensure children less than eight years of age have adult supervision. Older children that are without adult supervision should travel in groups of two or more friends.
Parents should discuss with children that a stranger is anyone their child does not know. While we do not want our children to be scared and they need to know most people are good people, they also need to know that there are people who will hurt them. “Bad Strangers” often approach children when they are alone or without a parent and they will try to “trick” children into going with them by offering gifts or other enticements. Make sure you child knows that stranger may want to hurt them, may not look scary, and may even seem very nice. Again, a strangers are anyone your child does not know.
Children must know they have a right to say, “No.” They do not have to allow anyone to touch them, they do not have to talk to anyone who makes them uncomfortable, and that they will not get into trouble if they make a scene when they feel scared or threatened. Children should know what the private areas of their bodies are and that nobody should touch them there. Have discussions with your children and make sure they know to tell you when someone is scaring them or making them uncomfortable, even if it is another “trusted” adult. Always teach your children to NEVER go anywhere with a stranger. If approached they should run away while yelling for help. People to ask for help are: store clerks, police officers, neighbors, other mothers with small children, or teachers. Children who have a cell phone should know to call 911.
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