A–Z Glossary

Trusted adult

A responsible person in a verified public role who can help a child contact a caregiver or authorities.

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Search results for: Trusted adult

Teaching kids about strangers and unsafe situations

Teaching kids about strangers and unsafe situations

Start with safety skills rather than fear Young children often think in concrete terms and may interpret “stranger” as a person who looks unusual or frightening. This can create false reassurance because many people appear friendly, and it can unfairly stigmatize people based on appearance, age, clothing, disability, or occupation. Explain that a stranger is […]

What kids should do in unsafe situations

What kids should do in unsafe situations

Recognize that a situation feels unsafe Unsafe situations do not always look dramatic. A child may notice a threat through fear, discomfort, confusion, pressure, or a strong desire to leave. Warning signs can include an adult asking the child to keep an unusual secret, trying to separate the child from others, making unwanted physical contact, […]

Teaching children how to answer the door safely

Teaching children how to answer the door safely

Begin with a simple, non-frightening safety rule Children learn best when safety instructions are explicit, consistent, and easy to remember. A useful family rule is: “Do not open the door unless a trusted adult has said it is safe and is available to take over.” This rule can apply even when the visitor says they […]

Teaching children how to respond to unexpected phone calls or messages

Teaching children how to respond to unexpected phone calls or messages

Why unexpected contact can be difficult for children Children are still developing executive functions such as inhibitory control, risk assessment, and delayed gratification. A message that promises a reward, claims that an account will be closed, or says that a loved one is in trouble can overwhelm these skills. Adolescents may also feel pressure to […]

What children should do if they get lost in a public place

What children should do if they get lost in a public place

Prepare before leaving home Preparation is one of the most effective ways to reduce confusion. Before entering a crowded or unfamiliar place, caregivers should explain where the family will stay together, what to do if someone becomes separated, and which adults or locations can provide help. Use short, concrete instructions that match the child’s developmental […]