Imagine you’re walking around the city, sipping your coffee, when suddenly a stranger comes up to you and gives you a hug. “Hey Mike, there you are! Ready to go?” she says. But wait, your name isn’t Mike, and you weren’t planning to go anywhere. Plus, you have no idea who this girl is. What should you do?
Instead of backing away and thinking she’s just a weirdo, consider that she might be in trouble. Maybe she’s pretending to know you because she’s being followed and needs help. Let’s explore what might have happened to her.
Riley is a 19-year-old who left her house in a good mood, planning to meet her friends later. While waiting in line for ice cream, she noticed a man staring at her. He was wearing black pants, a hoodie, and sunglasses, making him look suspicious. Riley felt uneasy, and here’s what she did next.
If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, remember these important rules:
Back to Riley. She noticed the man was still following her, so she decided to approach a stranger and pretend to know them. That’s where you come in. If someone like Riley approaches you, here’s how you can help:
Once the stalker leaves, don’t leave the girl alone. Walk with her to ensure she’s safe. Congratulations, you’ve just become a hero! Remember, you can use this trick to help others in similar situations. If you see someone being hassled, step up and pretend to know them. Your simple act of kindness could make a big difference.
Pair up with a classmate and take turns acting out scenarios where one of you is Riley and the other is a stranger. Practice how you would respond if someone approached you for help. Focus on playing along and communicating discreetly.
Join a group discussion about the importance of trusting your instincts and how to identify when someone might be in danger. Share personal experiences or hypothetical situations and discuss the best ways to respond.
Take a walk around the school or a nearby area with a partner. Practice observing your surroundings carefully, using reflections in windows or mirrors to notice details without being obvious. Discuss what you observed afterward.
Create a list of items you can carry for self-defense and practice typing emergency numbers on your phone quickly. Discuss with classmates how to stay prepared and safe in different situations.
Write a short story from Riley’s perspective, detailing her experience and how a stranger helped her. Focus on the emotions and thoughts she might have had during the situation. Share your story with the class.
Danger – The possibility of harm or injury – In social studies, understanding the danger of natural disasters can help communities prepare and respond effectively.
Help – To assist or aid someone in need – In health class, students learn how to help someone who is experiencing a medical emergency by performing basic first aid.
Follow – To go after or come behind – In history, students follow the timeline of events to understand how past actions have shaped the present world.
Safe – Free from harm or risk – It is important to create a safe environment in schools where students feel secure and supported.
Calm – Free from excitement or disturbance – Practicing mindfulness can help students remain calm during stressful situations.
Observe – To watch carefully and attentively – In science class, students observe chemical reactions to learn about different substances and their properties.
Communicate – To share or exchange information, news, or ideas – Effective communication is essential in resolving conflicts and building strong relationships.
Trust – Firm belief in the reliability or truth of someone or something – Building trust between nations is crucial for maintaining peace and cooperation.
Situation – A set of circumstances in which one finds oneself – Analyzing a historical situation helps students understand the causes and effects of major events.
Hero – A person admired for courage or noble qualities – In health education, a hero might be someone who advocates for public health and inspires others to lead healthier lives.
