NewsLocal News

Actions

Valdosta police encouraging parents to talk to kids about 'stranger danger'

Posted
and last updated

During a time where most children are home from school, the Valdosta Police Department is encouraging parents to have conversations with their children about being approached by strangers.

In the past week, VPD says they received a report of an incident in the Millpond area which is still under investigation.

Police say these situations remind us that we must to be aware of our surroundings at all times and call 911 if you see something suspicious.

Here are a few tips from VPD on how parents can make sure their kids remain safe:

-Pay attention to where children are, don’t leave them outside unattended.
-Remind your children to stay in contact with their parents if they go visit a friend or neighbor’s house.
-Make sure your kids know to stay at an arm's length away from a stranger, especially near a vehicle or a home.
-Talk with your children about who trusted adults are, and know the importance of telling them when something makes you scared or uneasy.

VPD is also reminding parents that teaching children how to safely use technology and the Internet is just as important as teaching them about stranger danger.

The National Centers for Missing and Exploited Children has put together a website called Netsmartzthat has a free list of resources for parents and children.