Maui Girl Recounts ‘Stranger Danger’ Incident

With recent reports regarding “stranger danger” across Hawai‘i, the Hawai‘i State Department of Education has encouraged parents to talk to their children regarding the issue. Within the past few weeks, there have been several “stranger danger” reports on O‘ahu and Maui, prompting school officials to send letters home to parents.

Malika Dudley sat down with a Maui girl who experienced a “stranger danger” incident recently. We were asked to keep her identity anonymous. Here is what she had to say about her experience, “stranger danger” and her message to other kids.

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.