BECKLEY, WV (WOAY) – Growing up, you likely heard, ‘don’t talk to strangers,’ questionable people who could lure you away and harm you, or stranger danger.
It’s a real summer concern, as kids spend increased time outdoors and in public spaces, leading to more unfamiliar people encounters.
Talk with your kids about being cautious around people they don’t know. Safe strangers can be trusted and asked for help, like law enforcement and teachers.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, abductors typically use these scenarios: 1) offering a ride, 2) offering candy/treats, 3) asking questions, 4) offering money, 5) offering or showing an animal.
“And kids, make sure you let your parents or guardians know where you’re going, how long you’re going to be there, and where you’re going after that,” said Beckley Police Department Sgt. Jamie Wilhite. “If possible, travel in pairs and packs and groups, use a buddy system. That way, if one’s in danger, the other one may be able to help or at least notify someone who can help.”
The rule at Chris Pittman’s house is that his children can play on their dead-end street but not out on the main road, where there’s construction and a constant stream of people.
“We kind of make sure they stay in the cul-de-sac, do not pass the stop sign,” said Pittman, a father of four (nine-year-old, six-year-old, five-year-old, three-year-old). “Honestly, don’t even pass two houses down from our house because all it takes is one person to grab them and take them in their vehicle. And we probably won’t see them again.”
Location apps for kids offer numerous benefits, from safety and peace of mind for parents and even trigger alerts in case of an emergency.
“Children now have cell phones, the majority at a young age,” Wilhite said. “Keep your location on. You may or may not like it because your parents are tracking you, but it’s for a good reason and cause. At least they’ll have an idea of where you are and where you’ve been.”
Pittman always tells his kids to be wary of unknown adults and not to get in anyone’s car.
“If someone says, ‘hey, I know your daddy,’ the father of four said. “We’re pretty new to our area, we don’t know that many people yet. “But our kids have gotten to the point now they know certain people in the neighborhood y’all can talk to, but anyone new, that’s not a thing.”
According to Wilhite, the danger is always there. As a parent, it’s something you remain concerned about, no matter how protective and cautious you are.
“It’s a matter of a vehicle driving up and snatch and go, or the child going to the bathroom at the pool, and who knows where they are after that. It can happen very, very quickly,” the sergeant said.
“If they’re younger, lay the groundwork (of an age-appropriate dialog),” Wilhite said. “As they get older, have the difficult conversations and don’t be afraid to have those conversations.”
