Student Safety Tips

In the past, we would teach students about "Stranger Danger." Statistics, however, show that children are far more likely to be abuse or kidnapped by someone they know or is known to the family. Additionally, child advocates have cautioned that the old campaign unnecessarily made children scared of community members, many of which are good people and can help in an emergency.

As a result, the Boulder Valley School District is now focused on providing students tips so that they are aware of people that make them feel unsafe or are tricky -- or, in other words, appear friendly and charming to trick kids into trusting them. 

• Don’t say: Never talk to strangers.
• Say: You should not approach just anyone. If you need help, look for a uniformed police officer, a store clerk with a nametag, or a parent with children.
• Don’t say: Stay away from people you don’t know.
• Say: It’s important for you to get my permission before going anywhere with anyone.
• Don't say: You can tell someone is bad just by looking at them.
• Say: Pay attention to what people do. Tell me right away if anyone asks you to keep a secret, makes you feel uncomfortable, or tries to get you to go with them.

As always, if you or your child See Something that concerns you, Say Something to a school administrator, teacher, law enforcement or anonymously through safe2tell.org