Imagine you’re walking home after a fun night out with friends. Suddenly, you hear footsteps behind you. You turn around and see someone walking toward you. You start to wonder, “Are they following me?” If you ever find yourself in this situation, here’s what you can do to stay safe.
Start by walking a little faster. If the person’s footsteps speed up too, they might be following you. Try making three or four right turns, which will bring you back to your starting point. If they continue to follow, it’s a sign they’re after you. Use this opportunity to disappear by making a quick turn and running until you’re out of sight.
If there are people nearby, approach them and say, “Hey!” as if they’re your friends. Explain that someone is following you and ask if they can walk with you to a more public area. Avoid going directly to your home, even if they offer to help, as the follower might learn where you live.
If you’re alone and still being followed, try these tricks:
Avoid saying you’ve lost your keys, as you’ll need them later. Don’t take out your phone to browse or text, as the light will make it harder for your eyes to adjust to the dark and slow you down.
Pay attention to your surroundings. Note street names, house numbers, and nearby stores or buildings. If you can’t escape, turn around and look at the follower. Observe their clothes, eyes, height, and age. This will help you give an accurate description to the authorities. Making eye contact can also deter them, as it shows you’re aware of their presence.
If the follower approaches you, maintain eye contact. If they ask for directions, don’t look away or reach for your phone. Just say you don’t know the way. If you’re carrying heavy items, be ready to drop them if needed. Hold your keys with the teeth sticking out through your fist for self-defense if necessary.
If you feel threatened, make a fuss and yell “Fire!” instead of “Help!” People are more likely to respond to that word. If the follower is at a distance, call the police and provide them with your location and details about the area.
If you’re in a public place, head to a crowded area like a grocery store. If your jacket is a different color from your shirt, take it off to make it harder for the follower to identify you. If you enter a restaurant or coffee shop, go to the bathroom for a few minutes. If they’re still there when you come out, inform a staff member that you’re being followed.
Try these tricks to see if someone is watching you: yawn or look at your watch. If they mimic you, they might be following you. To lose them, leave the cafe, walk a bit down the street, then return. If someone comes to pick you up, ask the staff to guide you to a back exit.
Always avoid walking alone, stick to busy streets, and stay aware of your surroundings. Being prepared for such situations can give you confidence and help keep you safe. Stay alert and remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
Imagine you’re in a situation where you suspect someone is following you. Pair up with a classmate and take turns acting as the person being followed and the follower. Practice the steps outlined in the article, such as making quick turns or seeking help from others. Discuss how each action made you feel and what you learned from the experience.
Test your observation skills by playing a game where you have to remember details about a scene or a person. Your teacher will show you a picture for a few seconds, and then you’ll have to write down as many details as you can recall. This activity will help you practice being observant, which is crucial if you ever need to describe a follower to authorities.
In small groups, brainstorm and demonstrate different ways to disguise yourself or change your appearance quickly. Use props like hats, scarves, or jackets to show how you can make it harder for someone to recognize or follow you. Discuss which techniques you think would be most effective and why.
Work with your classmates to create a communication plan for emergencies. Discuss who you would contact if you felt unsafe and how you would reach out to them. Practice using your phone to quickly call or text someone, and make sure you know how to share your location if needed.
Take a supervised walk around your school or neighborhood, focusing on identifying safe places you could go if you felt threatened. Look for busy areas, stores, or public buildings where you could seek help. Discuss with your classmates how being aware of your surroundings can help you stay safe.
Safety – The condition of being protected from or unlikely to cause danger, risk, or injury. – In health class, we learned about the importance of safety measures when participating in sports activities to prevent injuries.
Follow – To act according to an instruction or rule. – It is important to follow the guidelines provided by health officials to maintain public health during a pandemic.
Help – To make it easier or possible for someone to do something by offering one’s services or resources. – Volunteering at the community center is a great way to help others and contribute to social welfare.
Disguise – To give a different appearance in order to conceal one’s identity. – In history class, we discussed how spies used to disguise themselves to gather information during wartime.
Observe – To watch carefully the way something happens or the way someone does something, especially in order to learn more about it. – Scientists observe changes in the environment to understand the effects of climate change.
Report – To give a spoken or written account of something that one has observed, heard, done, or investigated. – Students are required to report their findings on the impact of pollution in their local area for the social studies project.
Defend – To protect someone or something from attack or harm. – In civics class, we learned about the role of the military in defending the nation’s borders.
Noise – A sound, especially one that is loud or unpleasant or that causes disturbance. – Excessive noise in urban areas can lead to health issues such as stress and hearing loss.
Public – Concerning the people as a whole; open to or shared by all the people in a community. – Public transportation systems are essential for reducing traffic congestion and pollution in cities.
Surroundings – The things and conditions around a person or place. – Being aware of your surroundings is crucial for personal safety, especially in unfamiliar areas.
