How to Protect Yourself from a Stranger (for Kids)

Co-authored by Adrian Tandez

Last Updated: August 7, 2024 Approved

Strangers are people you don't know. While most strangers are nice, some are dangerous. If you're ever approached by a stranger, it's important that you know how to stay safe and when to get help. This article will teach you what to do if you're approached by a stranger or if you find yourself in a dangerous situation with one.

Steps

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Good strangers are people you don't know but they are there to help you, such as a police officer or a doctor. However, bad strangers are people whom you don't know, who want to hurt you, do something that will make you feel uncomfortable or might take you away from your parents. Bad strangers are the ones you need to stay away from.^{[1]
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If they start following you, then something isn't right and you must tell a trusted adult about this. Walk as fast as you can to your parents, a trusted neighbor, or try to find a police officer. But never go to your home if you are followed! Because the stranger would know where do you live.

Part 1

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If Grabbed by a Stranger

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Start kicking and screaming. Fight like your life depends on it. Scream at the top of your lungs, kick the stranger very hard, and even roughly bite their hand if you need to. Do whatever you possibly can to escape. Squirming helps too! The stranger should drop you and scurry since kidnappers hate attention.^{[2]
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- The stranger may try covering your mouth. If that does happen, keep screaming, and kick just as hard. Below are some suggestions on what you can scream:
- "Let me go!"
- "You're not my mom!"
- "You're not my dad!"
- "Stop!"
- "Somebody, help me!"
- "Call the police!"
- Stranger Danger!
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Run and tell an adult, for example, your parents, teacher, etc. Tell the adult that you were grabbed by a stranger. The adult should contact emergency services immediately.^{[3]
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- Learn the phone number of your parents, siblings, best friends, and the police. If you can't remember things well, make a note and keep it in your pockets.
- If you suspect a stranger is following you, walk in a loop around a block to be sure.
- Never choose the lesser crowded lane to run if you see a more crowded place.
- If you see a group appearing like they are a family, ask them to call your parents.
- A mall or a shop can be safe to find more people. Run inside one if around and use their phone to make a call to the police by dialing 911 (if you live in USA).
- Carry some coins with you, just in case.
Move your head from side to side to make it more painful.^{[4]
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If Offered Goodies by a Stranger

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Strangers will use treats or toys to trick children into going somewhere with them. Just say no and never, ever get into a car with a stranger, no matter what they say. Ignore them and run as fast as you can to your parents or someone you know.
- Beware of candy or anything edible offered by a stranger. Food offered by strangers may not be wrapped, which possibly gives a red flag that toxic ingredients were added.
Never smile or smile back when someone smiles at you. Look alert. If you see someone smiling at others, don't keep looking at them. You don't know what they may be up to.
If you walk out of home, be sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes that allow you to run.
Having something that could be used to hit hard, make a sound, create light can all be used in time of emergencies. (e.g. pepper spray, but be careful with it!)

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If Asked to Help a Stranger

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A stranger may ask you to help them look for a pet or carry something for them. Say no and walk away; they should be asking for an adult's help, not yours!^{[5]
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- If an adult asks you to help them find their dog, carry items to their car, or help them do something, it's okay to say no. Adults should go to other adults for help, not children. Say no and tell an adult right away. Remember, safety is more important than manners.

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What do you do if they get you in the car?

Community Answer

Scream, shout, and turn the radio volume as high as it goes. Open the windows if you can.

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What if you don't have arms strong enough to pull away from them?

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Just keep squirming and screaming. Kidnappers HATE attention. They might let you go; if they don't, someone may call the police. Scream for help. A really good thing to scream is "Fire!" That's sure to get attention.

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What if somebody in the neighborhood waves or says "Hi"?

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If you know them, wave back. If it's a stranger, it's probably best to ignore them.

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Tips

Always have a parent or guardian with you. Call emergency services if you suspect a stranger following you.

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Stay with your family. This will make you less of a target for any harm.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Look around for something to break to cause a commotion, if fighting back isn't possible and your can't shout for help.
Keep a loud whistle on you when you're going out in public alone, and blow it if you're in danger.

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Warnings

Never, ever get into a car with a stranger, even if the stranger claims they know your parents or your relatives. Run away from the stranger's vehicle as far as you can, and tell an adult right away!

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If a suspicious adult approaches you or your friends while you are playing outside, go immediately inside and tell your parents.

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Never answer the door to anybody unless it is someone you know and who is permitted in the home. If a delivery man comes to your door when you are home alone, tell him to leave the package at your front step. But never allow anyone you don't know into your home!

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