A: - needing a ride or asking for directions and then luring the child with gifts such as candy, money, toys, etc… The child should understand that it is not appropriate nor does it make sense to ask a child for directions when they don’t even drive. This is probably the most common ploy but is becoming the least successful due to increased awareness
- The puppy ploy – where the bad guy approaches a child and asks for help looking for his lost puppy. This is so popular because he is playing on the child’s love for animals. It is not appropriate for an adult to ask a child for help.
-
Safety in numbers – This is when a person you
do not know approaches you and wants to participate in what you are doing
and then uses a ploy to get you to come to their vehicle or somewhere away
from other people. The best way to prevent this is to practice safety in
numbers. Never go anywhere without at least one buddy.
-
The internet intruder – this is why the
internet is so scary. The bad guy steps into the child’s life and pretends
to be a person of similar age and preys on the child’s likes and weaknesses.
The bad guy provides kindness and attention that the child may be lacking
elsewhere and then arranges a meeting. The child has no idea that the person
on the internet is not the same person in real life, and at that point it
may be too late.
Things to remember:
·
Parents should always know the whereabouts of
their children and know how to get in touch with them.
·
Parents should set clear house rules and
guidelines
·
Parents should always communicate with their
children and let them know that they can tell them anything, such as being
scared, uncomfortable, or confused. Communication is the key.
·
Parents should instill confidence and give
their child the authority to tell someone “no” if they try to touch them or
treat them in a uncomfortable or inappropriate way.
