Simply telling children not to talk to strangers could mislead them. More often, children are harmed by someone they know, a relative, family friend, neighbor or other familiar adult. According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), children are better served with instructions to be wary of certain kinds of situations or behaviors, such as touching or being touched by an adult in any place a swimsuit would cover, rather than individuals who have an unusual or disheveled appearance. A clear, calm and reasonable message about potentially harmful situations and actions may be easier for children to understand than a profile or image of a stranger.

Children can be raised to be polite and friendly, but tell them it is okay for them to be suspicious of any adult asking for assistance. Often exploiters or abductors initiate seemingly innocent contact with the victim. They might ask for help in finding a lost puppy, or simply ask for directions.

Teach children at an early age that they:

• should trust their feelings.
• have the right to say no to what they sense is wrong.
• should not keep secrets from their parents.

If someone does approach them in a manner that makes them feel uncomfortable, they should tell their parents immediately.