01/11/2026
⚠️ SOUTH AFRICAN PARENTS: DOES YOUR CHILD KNOW WHAT TO DO IF A STRANGER APPROACHES THEM? 🇿🇦
It only takes a moment for a child to find themselves in a frightening situation.
At a shopping centre.
Walking home from school.
Playing outside.
Or waiting for someone to collect them.
We teach our children to be polite and respectful.
But we also need to teach them that being polite never means ignoring their own safety.
🚨 7 SAFETY RULES EVERY CHILD SHOULD KNOW
1. Never go anywhere with an unfamiliar adult without permission. Even if that person claims your parents sent them.
2. Never approach a stranger’s vehicle. If someone calls you over, keep your distance and move towards a safe place.
3. Have a family code word. If someone unexpectedly arrives to collect your child, they should know the agreed word. Children should still follow your family’s approved collection arrangements.
4. It’s okay to say NO. Children should know they can refuse an adult’s request if something feels unsafe.
5. Shout for help. If someone tries to grab or force them to go somewhere, they should shout loudly and move towards other people.
6. Know where to find help. Teach your child to approach a trusted teacher, security officer, shop employee or another appropriate adult.
7. Practise what to do. Don’t just tell your children these rules. Talk through simple scenarios with them regularly.
❤️ ONE MORE IMPORTANT THING:
Not every dangerous person is a stranger. Children should also know that nobody, including someone they know, is allowed to threaten them, demand secrecy about unsafe behaviour or touch them inappropriately.
Teach your children that they can always tell you when something makes them uncomfortable.
We cannot be beside our children every second. But we can prepare them for the moments when we’re not there.
🇿🇦 PARENTS: Have you taught your children a family code word?
Share this with another parent. It might start an important conversation at home.
