What Can I Do to Help My Child Stay Safe Around Strangers?

As parents, one of our biggest responsibilities is keeping our children safe — and one of the most important areas to talk about is stranger safety. But with so many mixed messages out there (and the fact that not all strangers are bad), how do we teach our kids to stay alert without making them fearful of everyone?

It starts with clarity, conversation, and confidence.

Define What a “Stranger” Really Is

Many kids assume a stranger is someone scary or completely unknown — but often, that’s not the case. In fact, children are more likely to be approached by someone they’ve seen before — a neighbour, a distant family member, or someone who looks familiar.

That’s why we teach in the Path Keepers Program that a stranger is:
👉 Anyone your parents haven’t given you permission to talk to.

It’s a simple definition — and one that’s easy for kids to understand.

Keep It Calm, Not Scary

We don’t want kids to live in fear — we want them to be aware. Instead of saying, “Never talk to strangers,” we focus on safe behaviours:
– Always ask before going anywhere.
– Stay close to your trusted adult in public places.
– Never leave with someone, even if they say “your mum told me to come get you.”
– Trust your instincts — if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.

Teach Them to Use Their Voice

One of the most powerful tools your child has is their voice. We encourage kids to practice speaking up loud and clear — saying “No!”, “Leave me alone!”, or “Help!” when they feel unsafe. These moments can be practiced through role play so that it becomes second nature if the time ever comes.

We also remind kids that if something happens, it’s never their fault — and they should always tell a trusted adult as soon as possible.

Practice Real-Life Scenarios

Talking is great — but practicing is better. In the Path Keepers Program, we walk families through simple, real-life examples:
– What to do if you get lost in a shop
– How to spot a “safe person” to ask for help
– What to do if someone tries to lure you away with a gift or a lie

The more you practice these together, the more prepared your child will be.

Remind Them They Can Always Say No

Children are often taught to be polite and obedient — which can be dangerous in the wrong context. Remind them that they’re allowed to say no to an adult, to back away, or to run if something doesn’t feel right. Safety comes before manners.

Final Thought

Keeping your child safe around strangers isn’t about scaring them — it’s about equipping them. With the right language, regular practice, and a sense of confidence in their own instincts, your child can learn to stay aware, stay calm, and stay safe.

If you'd like to teach your child important safety lessons in a way that's fun, clear, and easy to remember — the Path Keepers Program is a great place to start. With bite-sized lessons and parent-friendly activities, you'll both feel more prepared for the world around you.

Because confidence is the greatest safety skill of all.

Want to teach your child how to stay safe — without fear or confusion?
The Path Keepers Program gives you easy, practical lessons to help your child understand who to trust, how to use their voice, and what to do in tricky situations.

✅ Start today and build your child’s confidence and awareness.
👉 Click here to begin