Parents and carer of students from The Scots College in Bellevue Hill are being urged to be extra vigilant following reports of a child being approached by a stranger outside school grounds.
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A Prep School student from The Scots College was allegedly approached by a tattooed man at the bus stop on Victoria Road at around 4:00 p.m. The man, who was said to be driving a black sedan, offered the child a ride who eventually refused the gesture.
Mt Graham Pattison, deputy principal at the boys’ school, and preparatory school head Mr John Crerar, immediately informed parents of the incident, by sending an email to them.
The school reminded parents to teach their children not to accept lifts or alternative travel arrangements from strangers or people they don’t know.
One parent who wishes not to be named appreciated that the school immediately informed them about the incident, adding that they will discuss it with their child for them to remain vigilant.
Besides alerting the authorities about the incident, The Scots College assured parents that they are taking extra precautions around the school grounds.
Teaching Kids to be Smart Around Strangers
Community Early Learning Australia, the peak body for Australia’ early childhood education sector, believes in empowering children in all situations with all types of people, be it a stranger or someone they know.
Parents should be reminded about the importance of teaching children “body awareness and autonomy” and learning “how to say no.”
Body awareness includes understanding emotions and recognising body clues. When a child can name and understand his feelings, it can give him the emotional vocabulary needed to talk appropriately about them.
This leads to recognising physical clues when they are frightened or uncomfortable around certain people. Body clues that they are scared or nervous may include sweaty palms, heart pounding, and an unusual feeling in the tummy.
It’s also okay to say no, CELA noted. The non-profit organisation highlighted the importance of teaching children about saying no firmly with voice control and body language if another child or adult is not listening.
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There are adults who tell children that it’s rude and disrespectful to say no, which becomes the reason why children find it difficult and scary to do so. However, when it comes to their bodies, children should be taught that there’s nothing wrong in saying no to hugs, kisses, touching or any invasion of personal space.
