Come On Over To My House I'll Give You Candy
Introduction
As children, we were warned about the dangers of talking to strangers. We were taught to never accept candy or gifts from someone we don't know. But is this advice really necessary? In this article, we'll explore the concept of stranger danger and whether or not it's as prevalent as we've been led to believe.
What is Stranger Danger?
Stranger danger refers to the idea that strangers are potentially dangerous and should be avoided, especially by children. This concept has been around for decades and has been promoted by parents, schools, and law enforcement agencies.
The Reality of Stranger Danger
While it's true that there are dangerous people in the world, the majority of them are not strangers. In fact, most crimes against children are committed by someone the child knows, such as a family member or acquaintance.
The Problem with Stranger Danger
The constant fear of strangers can lead to a number of problems for children. It can make them anxious and fearful, which can affect their ability to socialize and make friends. It can also make them less likely to seek help if they are in danger, as they may be too afraid to approach a stranger for help.
Teaching Children About Safety
Instead of promoting stranger danger, it's important to teach children about safety in a more realistic way. This includes teaching them about personal boundaries, how to say no, and what to do if they feel uncomfortable or threatened. It also means teaching them about the different types of abuse and how to recognize them.
Conclusion
While it's important to teach children about safety, promoting stranger danger isn't the most effective way to do it. By teaching children about personal boundaries, how to say no, and what to do if they feel uncomfortable or threatened, we can help them stay safe without instilling unnecessary fear.