In today's world, parents can't afford not to teach their kids self defense. All children need to know how to defend themselves in case of a stranger danger situation.
Parenst concerned about their child's safety should spend time teaching and regularly reviewing what to do when approached or grabbed by a stranger.
Teach Kids to Recognize Stranger Danger
The problem with the word "stranger" is that kids often don't apply it to all the right people. Many children know their abductors at least a little. Review what a stranger really is and why (in age-appropriate terms) they must be careful around strangers.
Teach Kids to Recognize Common Child Lures
Pedophiles and child abductors are sick individuals. They are experts at using the very things parents teach their children – to respect authority, to listen to adults, and to be helpful – to trick kids into becoming their victims. Kids can learn to recognize common child lures and how to respond to them.
Remember, the best form of self defense for children is learning to recognize and run away from a situation before the need for physical self-defense arises.
Make a Scene to Scare Away a Child Predator
If in danger, kids should know to scream and yell to draw attention to themselves. Child predators are looking for easy victims, and they will often drop a child who raises too high a risk that they might be noticed or caught.
The most effective things for kids to yell are things that make the situation clear to those around them, such as "You're not my dad!" or "You're a stranger! Leave me alone!"
Find a Self-Defense Class for Children
Kids should know basic self-defense tactics. It will give them confidence in an emergency situation and help them to stay calm. Kids self-defense classes are recommended for the valuable practice they provide, so children can develop the habit of protecting themselves if the need arises.
Basic Self-Defense Tactics for Kids
If worst comes to worst, kids need to be prepared to physically defend themselves against an attacker. If grabbed by a child abductor, they can fight back by:
- Biting whatever flesh they can reach
- Kicking as hard as they can (hopefully making contact with the groin)
- Throwing their head back into the attacker's head
- Dropping to the ground and curling around whatever they see (a pole or even the attacker's legs)
Obviously, physical self defense should only be used as a last resort, since the odds are not in favor of a small child against an adrenaline-charged adult. Teach kids to use self defense moves, but make it clear that they should always run away from stranger danger before they need to use them.
Preventing child abduction is no easy task, but it is the job of every parent. Carefully prepare kids with child predator safety and make sure they know how to escape from a dangerous situation with a stranger.
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