Strangers and Dangers: Keeping Alameda’s Kids Safe

Photo by Zoe Brown

For years, teaching children safety rules included concepts like “stranger danger” and seeking out a uniform in case of an emergency. Today, we know that fewer than one quarter of kidnapped children are taken by strangers. Child abuse and neglect is heartbreakingly common in the United States, and in most cases the perpetrator is a friend, caretaker, or relative of the victim.

How can you keep your children safe? The first step is to choose a safe community, like Alameda. Strictly by the numbers, children are safer in family-oriented communities like Alameda. That doesn’t mean, however, that parents can let their guard down. According to the Center for Missing and Exploited children, line-of-sight supervision and safety education are the first line of defense when it comes to keeping our kids safe, at home and at play.

So, how can Alameda parents ensure that their children are safe? Education is the key. Smart kids are safe kids. Confidence is important, too. Be sure to teach your kids that they have the right to be safe, and the right to say no. Many abusers rely on intimidation and the natural authority of being an adult to coerce children into situations where they become victims. A child who is confident that he or she has the right to feel safe is far more likely to speak up against an abuser’s manipulation.

Child abuse is just one of the dangers our kids face. Most accidental injuries suffered by children are the result of bicycle accidents, falls, or burns in the kitchen. Teach kids how to handle emergencies, and ask “what if” questions.

“What if you fell off your bike and got hurt? Who would you ask for help?”

“What if you’re at the store and you lose track of Mom or Dad? What should you do?”

“What if you’re home alone and the phone rings or someone comes to the door?”

Roleplaying scenarios with kids can help prepare them to deal with real situations where they may need to make choices to ensure their own safety. Parents can make the roleplaying a game. Other important safety measures include teaching children their full name, address and telephone number, and making sure they know their parents’ full names as well. When your child is old enough to walk to school or a friend’s house alone for the first time, take a walk around the neighborhood. Point out the places they are allowed to visit, including familiar neighbors and friends’ homes, and where they should go if they are in need of assistance.

Older children should be instructed about the rules when they are home alone, and how to handle unexpected visitors. Telephone numbers should be posted clearly in case of an emergency.

Alameda is one of the safest towns in America for raising children. By being aware and teaching kids basic safety, we can ensure they grow safely into confident, capable individuals.