For example, abductors or abusers always say, "Don't Yell", or "Don't tell your parents." This article says to anticipate this, and teach your children to "Yell and Tell", even when the bad guy says not to.

I'm praying that no other parent ever has to go through what the parents recently in the news have had to go through.

New Safety Rules for Kids

Some adults do not know this, or they might really need help (in either of those cases though children can be taught to redirect the adult verbally or to stay far enough away that they can leave in order to inform another adult). Older children will be better able to notice distinctions in situations, and they might already have their own internal understanding of whatever rules they have. Older children can also talk about what they notice that gives them cause to avoid particular people or situations (in case they do that in a way that their parent finds to be troubling in some way). They will begin to develop insight into how they evaluate situations and make decisions to act or react-- this is all very very gradual though and people develop at their own pace. Younger children who may need blanket type rules can learn that adults talk to other adults-- period.

From a young child's perspective, the 'reward' in participating in a conversation or human exchange is not something they can be taught to always avoid or refuse. I think some verbal reactivity is probably a biological drive or developmental drive that people have. Children in particular, because they are developing have an inherent need to interact with others to varying degrees as they grow into adolescence and adulthood. Because of that, 'not talking to...' type commands are not likely to be very effective in action.

Even adults who are in a position to possibly help another adult who is in need fall prey to a set up, or don't know how to say 'no' in practical situations as appropriate. Being able to own one's self is an effective base on which to build self defensive strategies or habitual behaviours (for people of all ages). Children need protecting, and they also need to learn and to be taught how to be in charge of themselves in developmentally appropriate ways that work well within the context of their family structures-- good adult role models for this are essential.

Ginger

I'm very paranoid. But there's that old saying, "I may be paranoid, but it doesn't mean someone's not out to get me."

I'd rather assume the worst, and be overprotective, than have any regrets.

Michie

Here is a link to Missing and Exploited Kids website. I love how they say 'Don’t forget your older children. Children from age 11-17 are equally at risk of being victimized'.

This website is huge, I just linked one of many pages.