International Experience in Developing Programs for Teaching Children’s Skills of Safe Communication with Strangers

Abstract

Child safety is a priority for Russian child welfare state policy. Cases of child abduction by strangers for sexual abuse and exploitation are not so frequent, however they have grave and tragic consequences. In the Russian education system, there is a shortfall of domestic practices that prevent such cases by teaching children to recognize dangerous situations, refuse to communicate or ask for help. The article presents a thematic review of international practices aimed at preventing crimes against children and child abuse, which have proven their effectiveness not only by many years of experience, but also by scientific research. These practices particularly concentrate on teaching children skills of safe communication with an adult stranger. The methodology and psychological and pedagogical techniques of the practices are considered in the light of the evidence-based approach.