5 Self Defense Tips to Teach Your Children

I recently took a self- defense class with my college students. As much as we do not want to think about needing to take a self-defense class, things happen. Just last summer a Midlands Tech student was kidnapped right here in Columbia. Recently, a man posing as an Uber driver assaulted USC students near campus. 

It is important to think ahead and figure out what you will do if you find yourself in a similar situation. Seconds matter and running through a contingency plan can make a major difference in the outcome.

But beyond the college student, I started thinking about younger children and what we can teach them to protect themselves. Crowded shopping malls, festivals, and events could all be potential hazards for young children. Of course, we know to teach them to not talk to or leave with strangers, but what else can we teach them? I consulted with my law enforcement contacts and came up with a list.

1. Empower your children to trust their gut

We all get that sick feeling in the pit of our stomach when something isn’t right. Our sensors go off and we know that something is wrong or that someone may intend us harm. Teach your children to listen to their body and trust their instincts. These feelings occur for a reason.

2. Tell your children that an adult will never ask a child for help or assistance

Many times adults who intend to harm our children may do so by asking for help from the child. They may say something like, “Can you help me find my dog?” Teach your children that adults should never ask children for help in this way and if they do, the adult is not safe. Be sure to stress to your child what to do if an adult ever approaches them and asks for help in this manner. Perhaps tell them to say “no” loudly and walk away. You decide what a safe procedure for your child will be. 

3. Abductors win through intimidation

Many kidnappers will try to win a child over with intimidation tactics. They try to make children afraid and leave them no choice but to do what they ask. That is why it is so important to instill good self-esteem into your child(ren). Help them have the confidence they need to say “no” and use these possibly live-saving techniques. 

4. Go over scenarios with your children in everyday life

Sit down with your spouse and children and come up with plans together. Decide what you want your children to do if they ever find themselves in a potentially dangerous situation. Be open and honest with them. It may seem scary to little ones, but being honest and communicating a plan could help save their life. If your child(ren) really seem to be struggling and scared, explain to them that just because you are making a plan of attack, doesn’t mean something will happen. Let them know these plans are “just in case.” 

5. Teach your child(ren) pre-attack cues and behaviors

As mentioned above in number two, there are certain behaviors an abductor may display before attempting to take a child. Communicate these behaviors to your children so that they know what to look out for. This may help them avoid a potentially dangerous situation altogether. 

What do you teach your children about self-defense?

NOTE: If you are interested in taking a self-defense class, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department offers free classes. USC also offers workshops and a physical education class.