Recently, students have reported a suspicious stranger coming in contact with teenagers around the Katy Independent School District. Two bulletins were sent through the district’s e-newsletter in an attempt to inform parents of the lurking danger, and what to watch out for.
On Aug. 25, the local news covered an incident in which an 11-year-old girl was followed by a silver car on her way home from her bus stop in Kelliwood Pointe subdivision. Once she had entered her house, a man began beating and kicking the front door. The girl was frightened and called her father. The man then got into the silver car and drove away.
Several high school students shrug off incidents similar to the one that took place in Kelliwood Pointe. However, according teachers, these dangerous situations are far too real to be ignored..
“I feel stranger danger is always a concern, even in our community where it often seemslike the environment is a safe one. I believe complacency is our greatest weakness,” Psychology teacher Amy McConnell said. “Being alert to your surroundings is a self-defense technique that everyone should practice all of the time.
The other incident that was sent through the district’s e-newsletter occurred on Sept. 23. Two high school girls were waiting at the Crossfield and Reenie bus stop, when a white van pulled up next to them. The driver rolled down the window and said, “Oh! So ya’ll are waiting for the bus.” The girls did not respond, and the man in the van drove off with no further contact.
Nonetheless, students recognize the importance of gaining knowledge and information to best protect themselves from dangerous situations and stangers.
“I feel that stranger danger should be discussed with students for their own safety and awareness of the possibility of the dire consequences of getting involved with someone they shouldn’t trust,” Sophomore Leah Linscott said. “Some advice I have is to be cautious and avoid offerings from a stranger.
According to senior Nathan Gdala kids should be taught at a young age to never trust a stranger. Knowing could save their lives in the future. He also says kidnappers could be anywhere, so students should always watch their backs, and to never “fall for the lost dog trick.”
“Kids get kidnapped more than we realize, even though most of the time we feel like this never happens,” Junior Victoria Rutledge said. “It really does happen, and informing kids about the dangers is important. Don’t talk to strangers if the situation seems strange.”