Safety around Strangers
A few tips for child safety with strangers:
- A stranger is just someone you don’t know and can look like anyone.
- Keep a safe distance from any unknown person approaching you.
- Report to a trusted adult if you believe someone is taking pictures or video of you, without permission.
- Don’t hesitate to walk away from a stranger who either acts very nice or makes you feel uncomfortable.
- Never get into a car or other vehicle or go anywhere with anyone unless your parent or guardian has given you permission
- Shout or scream to attract attention if a stranger tries to grab you or threaten you in another way.
- If you find yourself in an emergency situation and there’s no one you know around to help, it’s okay to accept the assistance of a stranger.
- Never allow a stranger to talk with you or give you anything unless a trusted adult is with you and gives you permission.
- Never give a stranger your name, address, telephone number or other personal information.
- Always let the adult in charge of you know where you are going, the person going with you, and what you’ll be doing.
- Stand and walk with confidence and be aware of your surroundings wherever you are.
- If you become accidentally separated from your parent or guardian a shopping mall or any other place where there are many people, go immediately to a security guard, a person who works in a store or an information booth, or a mother with children and ask them for help.
- If someone follows you in a vehicle, start going in the opposite direction. If someone is following you on foot, run away as fast as you can and tell a trusted adult what happened.
- If a stranger asks you for help or for directions, quickly walk away.
- You should try to take a friend with you, and never go places alone.
- Always ask your parents’ or guardians’ permission to leave the yard or play area or go into someone’s home.
Additional Resources:
Child Safety: Preventing Child Abduction - MyHealth Alberta
Protecting Your Child From Online Strangers - MyHealth Alberta
Stranger Danger? 10 Smart Strategies to Help Keep Your Child Safe - Calgary's Child Magazine