provided several suggested guidelines for your child: • Always tell a parent or responsible person where you are going and who you will be with. • If your plans change, let someone know. • Pay attention to what is happening around you and not your electronic device. • Know the phone numbers, addresses and work places of family members and friends who can help you in an emergency. You can role-play situations to build your child’s confidence. This can be particularly beneficial if he is shy. Go on a walk with your child and point out areas that are isolated and should be avoided. Identify places that are safe for him to go if he feels uncomfortable like stores. Assess whether your child is developmentally ready to stay secret code word that your child can use if he calls or texts you in a dangerous situation. The Honolulu Police Department said that parents should teach their child to recognize strangers who are community helpers such as police officers, firefighters and school staff members. Most predators target a child who is by himself. That is why there is safety in numbers. Making sure your child sticks with a buddy can be a defense in itself. The buddy system is when 2 or more kids promise to stick together and look out for one another to ensure safety. The goal is to be able to recognize trustworthy, responsible people and foster those relationships. “It is quite a skill by itself to be able to approach a person and recognize them as helpful versus harmful,” said Matsumoto. The Honolulu Police Department “Not all dangerous strangers look or act scary.” 90 HAWAII PARENT March/April 2024 Encourage your child to set boundaries and speak up if he is uncomfortable.
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