GEORGE NEWS - Following the incident last weekend in which two young girls were kidnapped and one of them raped, George Herald gained some helpful hints from Angelique Vezasie of the Alcohol Harms Alleviation and Rehabilitation Association, in her capacity as a gender-based violence councillor.

Vezasie says stranger danger refers to the risk of children being approached or targeted by strangers who may pose a threat to their safety. 

"Talking to children about stranger danger is important, because it helps them to be aware of potential risks and to develop the skills they need to protect themselves. The topic should be addressed in a calm and age-appropriate way, using language they can understand and emphasising the importance of staying safe," she says.

Some practical tips include teaching them about safe and unsafe behaviours, encouraging them to trust their instincts, and role-playing scenarios to help them practise what they would do in different situations.

Help your children feel empowered and confident by emphasising their ability to make smart choices and stay safe. 

This includes teaching them about self-defence, providing them with a list of trusted adults they can turn to for help, and praising and applauding them for making smart choices.

Helpful hints

• Define strangers in a way that your child can understand.
• Role-play different scenarios with your child.
• Teach your child about personal space and boundaries.
• Talk about tricky people, instead of just strangers.
• Emphasise the importance of trusting their instincts.

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