Strangers inappropriate behaviour

[Mommabear123]

My dd is 8 years old and was playing out with her friend about a week ago when a man walking his dog approached them and said do you want me give out a kiss. He then kissed them both on the cheek and walked away. I only found this info out tonight when my daughter mentioned it to my friend and she was concerned and told me. We discussed this with my dd and she said she didn't tell us because she didn't want to get into trouble as the man was a stranger. We did explain he was in the wrong not her. She doesn't know the man and said he was an older man not a child. We live on a small cul de sac and we've only just started letting her play on the street and she isn't allowed round the corner. I'm now extremely concerned and don't know what the best thing to do is. We don't know this man but he's obviously local and I'm worried she may see him again. I feel bad telling her she can't play out as she has several friends. We have told her not to speak to strangers, we check on her every 15/20 mins when she out etc but it's still a concern.

[g0ldie]

how horrid. I didnt want this post to be missed so wanted to bump it for you. can you mention to a local pcso? let other parents know so everyone can be more aware? Really good she knows it was the man who was in the wrong. I hope she feels proud she told you and hope you feel proud she has the type of relationship with you that she can tell you these things.

[tywysogesgymraeg]

I'd have a chat with the police. He may be known to them.

And tell DD that if it ever happens again, she's to run away IMMEDIATELY - home if possible, but to the nearest other adult if it's too far away.

[hillyhilly]

There's a shocking article in today's daily mail (sorry!) about how easy it was to get children to go off with a stranger (in an experiment that mothers agreed to) it took between 30seconds and 3 minutes. Really made me think.
Sorry I do realise that's probably not going to reassure you at all!

[mummyxtwo]

Yes tbh I would phone the police - the local station number, not 999 - and mention the scenario. They will probably keep a closer eye out for any other stories in your area. An adult who is sensible, even if they love children, would be aware that that is an inappropriate way to behave with children and wouldn't do that.

[Lostinspace1]

Call the police and only let your child play in someone's garden. IMHO I think 8 is too young to be out playing in the street.

[PoppadomPreach]

I would definitely mention this to police. It is entirely inappropriate behaviour from a stranger

[CatL]

I think I'd tell the police too, as he actually gave them a kiss. I'd hate to be the kind of person who labels every slightly strange or friendly to children man as a pervert, but to actually kiss them crosses a line in my view. However, I disagree about 8 being too young to play out. I grew up in a cul de sac and am sure I was playing outside (within strict boundaries of where I was allowed to to) before then (and I don't believe things are actually more dangerous now than in the 80s). As long as your daughter understands that the man was wrong and she must come home if she sees him again / if anyone else acts in a way she thinks is strange, she's probably safer now than before in some ways.

[Mommabear123]

Thanks for the advice, I was going to ring the police but didn't know if I was overreacting. My daughter was with her friend when it happened and I went to speak to her mum about it and she was aware of it but didn't tell me as she said it was fine. She has seen the man walking his dog a few times and he's said hello. However I still wasn't comfortable with it she doesn't know him personally and I certainly don't know him, neither does my daughter so I still felt it was wrong. My daughter has very strict boundaries on where she is allowed to go, which means not off the street so we can see her all the time. We've had another chat with her about not talking to strangers again and especially this man.