We have seen a lot in the media and on message boards recently about reported attempted abductions and we know it is a real concern to all of you with children no matter what age they are.
Whilst we all know Dubai on the whole is a very safe environment to live, we do need to be extra vigilant and teach our children some common sense tips whilst out and about anywhere in the world.
Tips & Advice for children and teens:
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Strangers are people that you don’t know.
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Don’t talk to strangers when a parent is not around
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Don’t accept lifts, sweets, gifts, money etc. from a stranger- say no thank you and walk off.
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If you get lost in a shop or a mall go to a security guard or shop assistant and ask them for help.
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Don’t give out your name, address, phone number or any other information about yourself to strangers.
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Be careful if a stranger in a car calls out to you to come closer for help or directions. It's easy for a stranger to pull you into a car if you get close enough.
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Don't be fooled by people who claim to know you or your parents. That does not mean that you know them.
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If you are ever in doubt or don’t feel comfortable then go to somewhere that is safe and tell an adult- go to an authority figure or a mum with kids in tow.
Tips & Advice For Parents
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Create a super- secret family password that can be used in case of emergencies- i.e. if you do have to send a friend to get your kids from school due to an emergency they can use the password to reassure your child that they have really been sent by mummy or daddy.
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Make sure your home help- maids, baby sitters, house boy etc. are briefed on stranger danger too so that when they are in charge of your kids when out or home alone with them that they know the safety precautions to follow too.
Advice From Our Forum...
