Having a child between the ages of 9 to 12 is a little odd. You will find that your child no longer thinks of herself as a little kid, but you know she is not old enough to have the responsibility of an older child. At this age, kids think that no harm could ever come to them and feel they are too old and "know it all" when it comes to lectures about strangers. However, it is very important for you to continue to teach your child about stranger danger.
Internet Safety
One of the biggest things you can teach your tween child when it comes to strangers is Internet safety. Your child is probably using the Internet more now than ever. She may have discovered fun websites that allow her to connect with others and to chat. She may surf the Internet and send emails to friends.
It is imperative that your child understands the difference between right and wrong when it comes to the Internet. She must understand that strangers are a real threat on the Internet, and while you don’t want to scare your child to death about strangers lurking on chat rooms, you need to make an impression on her. Teach your child that she should never, ever give out personal information on the web, and if something does not seem right, she should come to you right away. In addition, as a parent, you should take the time to monitor your child and find out the type of sites she visits and who she comes in contact with on the web.
Cell Phones
Cell phones are another reason for concern at this age. Many tween children already have their own cell phone, and while these are wonderful to help your child stay connected to you, she needs to know how to treat her phones with respect. Instruct your child to keep her cell phone on in case of emergency, and to never give out her cell number to someone she does not know. It is far too easy for your child to become a victim.
The Buddy System
Many kids at this age are enjoying a little more freedom. They may walk to and from school each day or you may allow your child to walk to a friend’s house. Make sure that your tween understands that strangers may be out there and she needs to be aware of anything "fishy." Also, it is always better for your child to have a walking buddy at all times. If your tween walks to school, or walks home from school each day, check with your neighbors to see who else needs a friend to walk with.
Home Alone
Your child is getting old enough to stay home alone for short periods of time. Make sure your tween knows where to go in case of an emergency, and who to call. In addition, make sure your child has a key to the house and locks the doors while you are not home. Many parents feel safer if the child does not answer the phone while they are home alone. Caller ID makes this easier. Instruct your tween to only answer numbers that she knows (such as when you call home).
Arming your tween with information about strangers is vital, especially in today's society. Stalkers are becoming more and more clever as each year goes by, and it is absolutely necessary that you, as parents, do your best to stay one step ahead of them. Check out the McGruff Strangers safety website for a great place to teach your tween more about strangers and let them play cool games, too.
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