T (part 2) is for TV YOU NEED TO SEE
My friend called tonight, about ten minutes before Dateline aired, and mentioned that the show has been running episodes on choices kids make when their parents aren't there. Last week's episode was about what children would do when strangers approached with offers of free ice cream or starring roles on television. This week's episode was on teenagers and driving-related choices. Parents who have had many "stranger danger" discussions with their children (including a police officer who visits schools and discusses stranger danger for a living) watched on hidden cameras as their children were approached by actors. Many were shocked that although they've discussed this topic frequently with their children, and the kids were clearly doubting the integrity of the stranger, many went against their guts anyway!
You NEED to watch this WITH your elementary/middle school children. We've all had the stranger danger talk, but not enough- this video is evidence of that!
To watch the DATELINE SPECIAL online, click here.
Another fabulous video for stranger education is a collaborative effort between America's Most Wanted's John Walsh, and the Baby Einstein foundation's Julie Clark. It's called The Safe Side Stranger Safety. A photo of the DVD is below (it's the yellow one on the left).
I use the Safe Side video with my classes at school; however, after seeing the Dateline footage, I don't think it's enough. Watch the Dateline with your children. We can make many mistakes as parents and kids can make loads of 'em, too. Unfortunately, this is an area where there are no second chances. Watch them, discuss them, and do it often. With this subject, it's never overkill!
No comments:
Post a Comment