Childhood looks different today than it did a generation ago. Fewer children roam freely for hours at a time, and many parents worry about keeping their kids safe when they’re out and about, at the park, or walking to and from school. It’s a normal worry — and there’s one simple, practical step you can take today that costs nothing and takes just a few minutes to teach.
Below is a video that shows exactly why this matters, followed by the tip itself.
Watch: How Easily a Stranger Could Approach Your Child
This video by Joey Salads is a social experiment that shows how quickly and easily a stranger can get a child to go along with them — even when parents believe they’ve already taught their child not to talk to strangers.
It can be uncomfortable to watch, but it’s a powerful reminder of why a clear, simple system works better than a general warning like “don’t talk to strangers.”
The Tip: Create a Family Password
Here’s the idea. Agree a simple password with your child — just between the two (or more) of you.
Tell your child that if someone they don’t know approaches them and says something like “your Mum or Dad sent me to collect you,” or tries to lure them away with something like “come and see my puppy,” they should ask that person for the password.
- If the person knows the password, your child can trust that they really have been sent by you.
- If the person doesn’t know the password, your child should not go with them — and should get away and tell a trusted adult straight away.
It’s a small habit, but it gives children something concrete and memorable to do in a moment that might otherwise feel confusing or frightening.
Practising the Tip at Home
A password only works if your child remembers it and feels confident using it. A few ways to help it stick:
- Choose a word that’s easy to remember but not obvious — avoid your child’s name, pet’s name, or address.
- Practise with a few “what if” scenarios so your child knows what to say and do.
- Remind them the password rule applies to everyone they don’t know well, not just people who seem unfriendly.
- Revisit the password and the conversation every so often, especially as children grow and their independence increases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age should I start teaching my child a family password?
Most parents introduce this once a child is old enough to understand a simple rule and hold a short conversation — often from around school-going age. Use language and examples that suit your child’s stage of development.
Should the password ever change?
It’s a good idea to update it occasionally, and definitely if you think your child may have shared it with someone outside the family, such as friends at school.
What should my child do if a stranger doesn’t know the password?
They should not go with that person, should try to move to a safe, busy area, and should tell a trusted adult — a parent, teacher, or another familiar adult nearby — as soon as possible.
Does this replace other stranger-safety lessons?
No — it works alongside general safety conversations, not instead of them. It gives children one clear, simple action to fall back on in an uncertain moment.
You Might Also Like
Keep Exploring
Looking for more everyday parenting tips like this one? Browse our family life section for more simple, practical ideas you can use straight away.
Don’t Miss Our Weekly Ideas
Want more quick, useful tips like this delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for our newsletter for weekly ideas on keeping family life easier, safer, and more fun.
