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Kids’ Safety

A Kid’s Security Center: Stranger Safety & More

A kid-friendly guide to staying safe at home, out in the world, and online — plus trusted resources for parents and teachers to keep the conversation going.

Reviewed & updated · 6 min read

Staying Safe Around Strangers

As you grow up, you want to show your parents you’re responsible and can take care of yourself. A big part of that is knowing how to stay safe — at home and everywhere else. One important rule: don’t go anywhere or take anything from someone you don’t know, and always check first with a parent or a trusted adult before going with anyone.

Out on the street or in public, a stranger might try to talk to you, offer you candy, or ask for help. People who want to do harm can look perfectly friendly. If someone makes you feel scared or uncomfortable, walk or run to a busy place with lots of people, or to a police officer, and tell a trusted adult right away.

When You’re Home Alone

If someone rings the doorbell, don’t open the door — you don’t have to. If the phone rings, never tell a caller that you’re home without a grown-up. You can say a parent “can’t come to the phone right now” and offer to take a message. Keep doors locked, and know how to reach a parent and how to call 911 in an emergency.

Good Strangers, “Tricky” People

Not all strangers are bad. Police officers, firefighters, and store workers are “safe strangers” who can help you if you’re lost or scared. If a stranger ever tries to grab you or touch you, try to remember what they look like and tell the police as soon as you can.

Here’s something tricky: a “stranger” isn’t only someone you’ve never seen. It’s anyone your family doesn’t know well and trust. If you meet a friend’s uncle at a party, he’s still someone to be careful with if your family doesn’t know him. Trust your feelings — if something feels wrong, find a trusted adult.

Strangers Online

There are strangers online, too. In a game or chat, someone might pretend to be a kid when they’re really an adult. Only use websites and apps your parents say are okay, and never share private details — your real name, age, address, school, email, phone number, or photos. Never agree to meet someone in person that you only know online, even if they seem nice. If anyone online asks for private information or tells you to keep a secret from your parents, tell a trusted adult right away.

Safety Rules to Remember

  • ✓ Check first with a trusted adult before going anywhere with anyone.
  • ✓ Home alone? Don’t open the door or say you’re alone on the phone.
  • ✓ Never share private details online or with people you don’t know.
  • ✓ If you feel scared, run to a crowd or a safe adult and tell someone.
  • ✓ Know your full name, a parent’s phone number, and how to dial 911.
  • ✓ Have a family code word — only a truly safe person will know it.
In an Emergency

Call 911

If you’re ever in danger, hurt, or really scared and there’s no trusted adult around, call 911. Tell them your name, where you are, and what’s happening. It’s okay to call — that’s exactly what 911 is for.

For Parents & Educators

Trusted, current programs and tip sheets for teaching kids about personal safety and online safety.

Online Safety (Kids)

NetSmartzKids

NCMEC’s games and videos that teach kids to be safer online.

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Stranger Safety

KidSmartz (NCMEC)

Abduction-prevention program with the 4 Rules of Personal Safety.

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Internet Challenge

FBI Safe Online Surfing

The FBI’s free, classroom-friendly online-safety program for grades 3–8.

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Pediatric

KidsHealth — Stranger Smarts

Nemours guidance on teaching kids to be smart about strangers.

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Crime Prevention

McGruff Club (NCPC)

Safety education for kids 6–10 from the National Crime Prevention Council.

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Online Privacy

FTC — Protecting Kids Online

Practical advice for talking with kids about privacy and safety online.

Visit →

FAQs for Parents

Helping kids learn personal safety, at home and online.

Safety experts now favor “check first” over fear-based “stranger danger.” Teach your child to check with you or a trusted adult before going anywhere with anyone, to identify safe adults who can help (police, store staff), and to trust their instincts. Remember that most harm comes from someone a child knows — so focus on situations and rules, not just strangers.

A family code word is a secret word only you and your child know. If someone says a parent sent them to pick up your child, the child can ask for the code word — if the person doesn’t know it, your child knows not to go. Choose something easy to remember, keep it private, and change it if it’s ever shared.

Keep devices in shared spaces, approve the sites and apps your child uses, and use parental controls and privacy settings. Teach kids never to share personal details or photos, never to meet an online contact in person, and to tell you if anyone asks for private information or to keep a secret. NCMEC’s NetSmartz and the FBI’s Safe Online Surfing program are great starting points.

It depends on the child’s maturity, not just age, and a few states set minimum ages or guidelines. Before leaving a child alone, make sure they know how to lock doors, not open the door or reveal they’re alone, reach you, and call 911. Start with short trial periods and build up.

911 for any emergency — danger, injury, or fire. Make sure your child can state their name, address, and what’s wrong. It also helps to teach them a parent’s phone number by heart and post emergency contacts somewhere visible at home.

More Family Safety Guides

Keep going with our Safety & Security 101 guide, childproofing your home, and the full JMAC safety resource library.

Securing Your Home or Business

JMAC Supply is an authorized distributor of access control, video surveillance, and life-safety hardware. Our team can help you choose the right products to keep your family or facility safe.

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