Tricky People

Parents and guardians are encouraged to educate their children on good personal safety practices including ‘tricky people’ awareness.

Traditionally, children were taught ‘stranger danger’, warning about potential dangers from unfamiliar people.

We now know that children are most often harmed by people they know so it is crucial to teach them about ‘tricky people’.

• Focus on behaviours, not appearances: Tricky people don't always look ‘bad’. Instead, teach children to identify ‘tricky’ behaviours, such as:
  • asking a child to keep a secret
  • asking a child to go somewhere away from a group
  • giving excessive gifts or praise to make a child feel special
  • making a child feel uncomfortable.

• Empower children by:
  • teaching children to trust their instincts when a situation feels wrong
  • encouraging children to say "no",  go to a safe place and tell a trusted adult
  • identifying safe people and safe places the child can go to
  • teaching your children information such as your address and mobile phone number.

For more information and resources on protective behaviours for children, head to the Constable Kenny Koala website.

For more information and resources on protective behaviours for children, head to the  Constable Kenny Koala website.