Keeping Your Child Safe

By Sifu Cathal Walsh

It is perhaps every parent’s worst fear - the attempted abduction of their child.  Though we rationally understand that crimes of violence (such as child abduction) are far more likely to be committed by someone known to the victim, as opposed to a complete stranger, it is sometimes surprising how children define and perceive “a stranger” or “someone who is trustworthy.”   For the past twenty years I have conducted the SHAKU 8 Tips to Street Safety for Children program to thousands of elementary aged children on Vancouver Island. The program has also been adopted in public and independent schools and martial arts academies across Canada.  On countless occasions while teaching children the lessons in the program, I have watched parents stand aghast as their child confidently states that “a bad stranger always wears black clothing” or that “only men are dangerous strangers.”  There are a lot of tips out there and also a lot of misleading stereotypes portrayed in children’s television programming. Listed below are the non-physical lessons taken from our program that you can review with your child.  Communication with your child is the best defense.

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SHAKU Family Martial Arts - 8 Tips to Street Safety for Children

1. Be Aware

• Look, listen, and feel.  Know what is happening around you.

2. Walk With Confidence

• Portray positive body language by standing and walking tall.

• Avoid looking down, slumping forward, or dragging feet.

3. Play With A Buddy

• There is safety in numbers.

• Avoid playing alone.  Invite others to join in games.

4. Don’t Talk To Strangers

• Once engaged in conversation, manipulation and confusion can happen.  It is not impolite to ignore a stranger’s request to converse. 

• If you use a code word system, remind your child that code words are only for use with people known to your child (friends & family). Code words are never to be asked from a stranger (see tip 3).  Assure your child that you would never send a complete stranger to pick up your child.

5. A Stranger Can Look Like Anyone

• Man, woman, big, small, well dressed or scruffy.  Dispel stereotypes.

6. Don’t Fall For Tricks

• Predators may use distractions such as money, gifts, candy, or animals (lost or injured) to distract and gain trust with your child.

• Sometimes the ego is used rather than gifts (“you’re so strong, pretty, etc…”)

7. Run To A Safe Place

• If lost or in trouble go to a place where there are others.  Avoid isolated places (hiding places that no one knows about).  There is safety in numbers

8. Scream

• If a stranger grabs your child, they should try to gain the attention and help of other adults by screaming loud and clear, “No, Stop, You’re not my mom, you’re not my dad.” This should be repeated until help is received.

If you have any questions about these tips or would like more information about personal safety lessons for your child or yourself, please contact us at the location closest to you listed below or visit our website at www.ShakuMartialarts.com

Duncan                                        Ladysmith                           Langford

Sifu Ian Clarke                               Sifu Cathal Walsh                    Sifu Bob Holland

750 Jubliee Street                          25 High Street                        863 Station Avenue

250.701.0222                                      250.667.5425                             250.478.5889

About Sifu Cathal 

Sifu Cathal Walsh is a school teacher and administrator. He is also a former Education Standards Coordinator for the BC Ministry of Education. He conducts workshops for parents and educators on topics of school safety and bullying prevention. He is the founder of SHAKU Family Martial Arts, with locations in Duncan Ladysmith, and Langford, British Columbia. Got A Question? You can contact Sifu Cathal toll free at 1-888-SHAKU-10 (742-5810) or by email at cwalsh@ShakuMartialArts.com.  

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