Why We Don’t Use the Term “Stranger Danger” |
Stranger Danger has become a buzzword of modern times, and youth have always been warned “don’t talk to strangers.” The Center for Missing and Exploited Children however reports that “don’t talk to strangers” simply does not work. Part of the problem is the definition of the word “stranger.” When asked, many youth defined a stranger as someone mean or ugly. Youth do not tend to look at attractive, helpful people as strangers. And if the person has spoken with and interacted with the youth a couple of times, they are officially not a stranger. And of course the term “stranger” does nothing to help when the perpetrator is a family member or family friend. Many times the term “stranger” is not taken seriously enough by youth. And other times, it is taken too seriously. For example, a youth who was lost avoided his rescuers because he was taught “don’t talk to strangers.” It is vital for our Scouts’ safety to move beyond “stranger danger.” Unfortunately there are those who want to hurt children and they are particularly attracted to youth programs of any kind. As Scout Programs dedicated to keeping our Scouts safe, we instill in them a few simple guidelines to help keep them safe:
We instill in our Scouts the uncommon trait of common sense, and the understanding that their feelings or “sixth sense” is just as valid in them as in an adult. It is better to be safe than sorry. |
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 11 December 2007 13:51 ) |