12/1/17 - KidSmartz/NetSmartz Presentations
On December 1, students at Frankfort-Schuyler Elementary learned how to keep themselves safe and prevent abduction attempts. Wendy Fical, Program Director at the Mohawk Valley Office of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, led the program which covered tips and scenarios to empower children to make smart decisions and stay safe. Two age-appropriate sessions were held -- one for younger students in grades pre-K through 2nd grade and another for older students in grades 3-5.
During the 45 minute programs, Fical taught students about four rules for personal safety, both in person and online, that can help to protect them from individuals who may try to harm or abduct them. The rules are:
- Check first - Remember to always check first with your parent, guardian or other trusted adult before going anywhere, helping anyone, accepting anything or getting into a car.
- Take a friend - Remember to take a friend with you when going places or playing outside.
- Tell people “NO” - Always tell people “NO” if they try to touch you or hurt you. It’s OK for you to stand up for yourself.
- Tell a trusted adult - Always tell a trusted adult if anything makes you feel sad, scared or confused.
Students also learned to recognize common tactics that may be used by individuals who try to abduct children, including the offer trick, the animal trick and the emergency trick.
The sessions ended with students being able to ask Fical questions about what they should do in specific situations, including if someone were to come to their house while they are home alone.
The program utilized fun and educational animated videos from KidSmartz and NetSmartz to help show students the personal safety rules in action.
More information about KidSmartz and NetSmartz can be found at:
