Name Lure

Well-meaning parents often mark their children's clothing, lunch boxes and sport equipment with their child's name. A common lure used by predators is to refer to a child by name and then engage them in conversation.

There are many ways this can be done. The predator may overhear someone call the child by name, read it off their clothing or even ask another child. Responding to someone saying your name is natural reflex, even if you don't know that person. Predators know only too well that if they know your name, they've gone a long way in gaining your confidence.

Children need to know that being engaged in conversation with a stranger can be extremely dangerous. They need to be aware that if an adult calls them by name, and they don't know this person, they should immediately take steps to distance themselves.

If you want to personalize your child's clothing, books or toys, monogram them instead of placing their full name on them.

(Children should not engage in conversation with any adult without first consulting their parents.)

Name Lure Scenarios

Scenario 1

A man comes up to you and asks if you name is Jimmy, then tells you that you've won a special prize. What would you do?

Scenario 2

A man calls out your name and then tells you something awful has happened to your dad and you should come with him. What would you do?

Scenario 3

You're sitting alone on a bench when a man sits down next to you and calls you by your name. He then tells you that he's been looking all over for you because of a problem at your house. What would you do?

Scenario 4

An older kid calls you by name and tells you to come over to him. What would you do?

Let NAK Martial Arts Center help! We continually teach our students about staying safe in our children's self defense clinics as well as our regular children's martial arts program. Call us today at 480-632-7833 schedule a FREE PRIVATE LESSON