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28 March 2024

Stranger danger: Parents must teach children

Principal added the need to educate children about “stranger danger”. (Shutterstock)

Published
By Sneha May Francis

A private school in Dubai’s Umm Suqeim recently sent out a letter alerting parents about a possible “stranger danger” near its campus.

The letter sent to all parents of students at Raffles World Academy also highlights “some key steps to help safeguard” children.

Signed by its principal Julian Williams, the letter was sent out last week, as a response to a possible “stranger danger” in the area near the school.

“I am writing to inform you of an incident (which) refers to a White Range Rover Sport car in the Umm Suqeim 3 area.

“A member of the public alleges that a car pulled up and attempts were made to lure a child into the car. Being aware and smart the child ran away. The car did make a U-turn and tried to approach the child again. Luckily, there was an adult present to scare them off.

“The number plate and the photo was given to the police,” the letter read.

The principal added the need to educate children about “stranger danger”.

“It is important to know that both the child and the witness acted responsibly and that no one was hurt, but cases like this teach us that we must be vigilant, not only about the welfare of our own children, but to help safeguard others in our community.”

The letter details steps to raise awareness among students.

Emirates24|7 was unable to speak to the principal or the staff as they are away on spring break.

A parent of a student at Raffles, requesting anonymity, confirmed they did receive the letter a few days ago.

“On the one hand, I’m happy that the school is aware and genuinely concerned about my child’s safety. On the other, it worries me that situations like these are creeping up in a safe city like Dubai.”

She added that while the letter addressed an older age group, she is concerned about how to tackle a younger group.

“I’m hoping the school will give some guidance on how to increase the retention power for children aged three-seven.

"I have been trying to get my daughter to memorise my phone number, but I don’t know if she’ll recall it in an emergency.”

The parent stresses her confusion over how to help her child distinguish between “good” and “bad” stranger.

“In Dubai, it’s common to have someone at a store say ‘hi’ to your child, and you are constantly teaching your child to be ‘friendly’ and ‘polite’. So, how do you teach them that some strangers are okay, and some are not?”

Another parent points out that it’s great to have the school step in, as parents need such guidance.

Some of the pointers mentioned in the letter focus on how parents must know of their child’s whereabouts at all times, and how kids must know their parent’s “work and mobile numbers”.

How it’s important to teach children about trusting their instincts, and to get away from situations that make them feel uncomfortable or threatened.

“Teach your children to be assertive” and “reassure them that you will help them when they need it”.

(Image via Shutterstock)