Strangers, crowds and lost

Lots of people can either be daunting or exciting, particularly if your child wants to let a complete stranger know about their new toy or venture off to identify something potentially exciting in the distance. Kids are fast and can be gone in seconds.

The majority of strangers are just nice people who you don’t know, but it is almost impossible to tell which strangers are going to be one of the few who are not so nice. Advise your children not to disclose personal information about themselves to strangers and to never believe a complete stranger who tells them that they were sent by parents.

Teach your children about strangers and how to find the closest safe haven if they become separated from you – in a nearby shop or locate someone in a police or other security uniform. Before outings discuss with your children the rules from venturing away from parents, what they should do if they become lost and identify a meeting spot. Rules will always vary depending on whether you are going to a park, shopping centre or special event.

Label your children’s clothing and bags with their name, your name and a phone number. Ensure that your children wear bracelets or items which identify any medical conditions. Have your children learn your address, mobile and home phone numbers and test them regularly on these as well as rules for outings.