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.
SHAKU
Family Martial Arts - 8 Tips to Street Safety for Children
Be
Aware
Look, listen, and feel.Know what is happening around you.
Walk
With Confidence
Portray positive body
language by standing and walking tall.
Avoid looking down, slumping
forward, or dragging feet.
Play
With A Buddy
There
is safety in numbers.
Avoid
playing alone.Invite
others to join in games.
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.
A
Stranger Can Look Like Anyone
Man, woman, big,
small, well dressed or scruffy.Dispel stereotypes.
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…”)
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
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.SHAKU.ca
Sifu
Cathal Walsh has worked for 20 years as a school teacher and
principal. He is
also the 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 Ladysmith, British Columbia and Kingston,
Ontario. Got A Question? You can contact Sifu Cathal toll
free at 1-888-SHAKU-10 (742-5810) or by email at SifuCathal@SHAKU.ca
All our SHAKU™ schools are proud to
offer a 30-Day no-risk
trial to enable students, parents and instructors
sufficient time to evaluate the suitability of our programs.If you would like to explore this option for you or your child,
just FILL
OUT THIS FORM and an instructor will call you to schedule a school
orientation meeting.Please
mention that you found us on the web and you will receive a
complimentary uniform at no charge!
