As all parents know, it is important to help our children understand how to be aware and safe when out and about. While we provide a safe environment at school, middle school aged students sometimes spend time at shopping centers, movie theaters, activity centers and more.
Sometimes incidents in Bangkok come to our attention that we feel are important to pass along to parents. Late last week we were informed by our friends at another international school that there had been some instances where young students had been inappropriately approached by a man in downtown malls. Thankfully, the students recognized their discomfort and took appropriate steps, removing themselves from those situations. In the time since we heard that information we also got confirmation that the man in question was identified and quickly left the country.
That good news aside, it is a good reminder for us all to talk to our children about safety in numbers, avoiding interactions with strangers, and ways that they can seek out help. While we all know that Thailand feels safe, we recognize that these are important skills for children to learn to keep themselves safe.