Self-Protection Tips for Kids

In keeping with our mission to help parents teach children to protect themselves against would-be transgressors, this is a selection of Screamin' Kids self-protection tips for kids. The full compilation of Terri's numerous tips, drills and approach is contained in the Screamin' Kids Self-Protection E-book -- free to all customers purchasing Screamin' Kids merchandise in our online store.

We recommend that parents discuss these tips with their children -- and that children get clarification from parents about what to do in these types of situations.

Self-Protection Tips for Kids

Scream on Purpose
When someone is trying to take you without permission, you need to alert your family. Scream on purpose. Scream as loud as you can! Remember: your life may be depending on it.

Running from abductors
You may be afraid to run from someone trying to take you away without permission, but you must run despite your fear. Your life may depend on this. You need to be more fearful of what this person plans to do with you than you are fearful of running. Run, Run, Run!!! You must get away any chance you get. You may also need to fight off the person trying to take you. And again, the first chance you get RUN!!

Removing you from your home
No one besides your parents should ever come into your home and try to take you. If you are awakened by someone doing this, scream and run to your parents. Do not allow anyone else to take you. Do not believe the kidnapper if he (or she) tells you that he will hurt you or your parents if you scream. More than likely, if he take you, he will never bring you back. Do whatever you must do to not let him take you.

If an abductor takes you to a public place
If you have been kidnapped and your abductor takes you to a public area or business, this may be your only chance of escape. Run to another adult and do not allow yourself to be taken from this place. Be insistant that someone call the police.

You can fight back
Do not allow yourself to be taken by someone without a fight. Hitting, kicking, scratching and other forms of aggression are acceptable if you are being taken.

Getting into someone's car
Never get into someone's car without your parents' direct approval. This is one way abductors kidnap children. So even if you know the adult, make sure you have your parents' approval to get into their car. Even if your parents have given you approval to go with the person before, get your parents' direct approval every time.

Recognizing a kidnap attempt
Understand what may be an attempt to kidnap you. Being asked to get into someone's car, having an adult start to befriend you without your parents' approval, an adult (even one you may be aquainted with) leading you away, someone that has done work at your home or in your neighborhood coming around without your parents' permission. People that kidnap children can be sneaky. Don't be fooled by how nice someone is -- always go to your parents before becoming friends with an adult.

If someone has put you into the trunk of a car
This is a life-threatening situation. Try and find an emergency trunk release. Sometimes there is a glow in the dark handle to pull. Other times you may need to find tools in the trunk to break out tail lights. (Valuable information on this is in the Screamin' Kids Self-Protection E-book.)

Touching your Private Parts
It is wrong for anyone to touch the private areas of a child's body. Private areas are the areas that are covered by a bathing suit. Parents can explain to children the exceptions of this rule, such as a doctors' visit accompanied by parents.

Notes to Parents

Workers around the home
Parents: be sure to point out to your children that workers at your home are hired to do a job. They are not to be alone with your child. They should never return to your home if they have not been told to do so by you. Your child should know that if he or she ever sees them return, you need to be told immediately.

Tell your children whom they can trust
Parents: be precise when telling your children whom they can trust.

Precautionary talks with your children
Parents: if your child is kidnapped, the abductor may try to manipulate your child by telling him that he will hurt you and/or the family if your child attempts to escape. Explain to your child how you feel about these types threats and make sure he understands that his return is the main priority. You can also explain to him how you and/or the family will handle these threats. This tactic of manipulation may also come from sex offenders. Be sure your child is mentally prepared should he or she encounter this type of situation.

These tips, and far more information and drills, are contained in the
Screamin' Kids Self-Protection E-book

Self-Protection E-book Visit our Online Store