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Most of us teach our children to be wary of strangers—people they might encounter on the street or simply cross paths with. However, there are also people in our immediate surroundings who, despite being familiar faces, can pose a threat to children. The challenge lies in explaining to children which of these familiar "aunties" and "uncles" are safe to be around, and which ones they should steer clear of.

**These Types of People May Be a Warning Sign**

**They keep secrets:** Adults who genuinely have a child's best interests at heart would never ask a child to keep a secret.

**They offer bribes:** Such individuals often attempt to lure children with incentives, such as chocolates or toys.

**They do not ask for help:** Adults who are considered safe for children would never ask a child for assistance—for instance, asking them to help find a pet or locate a small object.

**They do not respect boundaries:** These unsafe individuals frequently attempt to hug or touch children unnecessarily, often on the slightest pretext.

**They ask personal questions:** This behavior is often observed among people met online; for example, asking children personal details such as where they live or what their real name is.

**They attempt to intimidate:** If an adult threatens to harm a child's family members, should the child reveal a secret, it is a clear sign that one needs to be extremely cautious of that person.

**How to Teach Children to Stay Alert**

**Establish a Family Password**
If a familiar "uncle" or "auntie" shows up at your child's school or tutoring class claiming to have been sent by the parents, the child should not go with them. To prevent this, parents can create a unique "family password." Teach your children to stay away from anyone who cannot provide this password.

**Three Steps to Safety**
If a child senses that something is wrong or feels uncomfortable, train them to follow these three steps: first, say "No"; second, run away from that person; and third, seek help from a trusted adult. 

**Demonstrate It**
To help your child understand better, act out the scenario through role-play—for instance, what to do if an uncle or aunt tries to talk to them at the park, or if they get separated from you in a store.

**It’s Okay to Be a Little Rude**
If someone makes your child feel uncomfortable, a little bit of rudeness is perfectly acceptable for the sake of their safety. Teach your child to say "no" firmly.

**Build Trust**
Your child must have the confidence that whenever they approach their parents with even the slightest concern, their words will be believed. They should know that they won't be scolded into silence or dismissed simply because they are "just a child."

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