Parents: Remind Children About ‘Stranger Danger’

The Hawai‘i State Department of Education encourages parents to talk to their children about “stranger danger” and highlight measures that students can take to stay safe.

A letter was sent to parents from several schools on O‘ahu after “stranger danger” reports were made at three area elementary schools in the past week.

In all three cases, students walking to or from school reported being approached by a man who offered them a ride.

In one case, a student reported being grabbed the man in an attempted abduction.

In all cases, no students were injured and the incidents were reported to parents and/or school officials. The Honolulu Police Department is investigating.

A similar incident was also recently reported on Maui.

Parents are encouraged to reinforce the following safety measures with their children:

• Stay away from strangers. Do not talk to or take anything from them.
• Don’t go anywhere with someone you don’t know. Never accept a ride from a stranger.
• Stay more than an arm’s reach from strangers. If a stranger approaches you, seek help immediately from a trusted adult.
• Use the buddy system. Avoid walking anywhere alone.
• If a stranger grabs you, do whatever it takes to stop the stranger and yell for help.
• Report any suspicious activity to a trusted adult.
• Be alert of your surroundings and let others know where you will be and what time you will be back.

HIDOE appreciates the assistance and vigilance of parents, law enforcement and the community in working together to keep all of our students safe.

Visit HIDOE’s website for more information on Safety at School.