Self-defense

C.O.B.R.A.™ Self-Defense San Antonio Texas

Kids Safety Classes

Learn the Five Most Common Child Predator Lures

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    Young children are naturally more susceptible to being tricked by adults because they have limited cognitive development and a lack of life experience. They have not yet encountered a wide range of situations and people, so they haven’t developed the necessary skepticism or awareness to recognize deceptive behavior. They trust adults and authority figures and have a strong desire for their approval and validation. Manipulative adults can take advantage of this to deceive and exploit children. Protect your children and learn these five common predator lures:

  1. The Helpless Lure – This is the person who needs help carrying boxes to his car or finding a lost pet. Children need to be made aware that if an adult needs help, they will ask another adult and not a child.

2. The Promise Lure – The predator promises to take the child to Mommy, Daddy or to see something special like a kitten or puppy.

3. The Gift Giving Lure – This is the predator who gives the child candy, toys, money, or other gifts. Children need to know ahead of time that they should never take anything from a stranger without their parent’s permission.

4. The Messenger Lure – In this situation the predator is acting as a direct messenger for the parent. “Your Mommy was in a car accident and asked me to bring you to her.” They will often impersonate a person of authority.

5. The Magician Lure – The predator seemingly magically knows the child’s name, parent’s name, or other information about the child which makes the child believe this person can be trusted. Names displayed on backpacks, lunch boxes, or clothing can easily give them enough information to fool an innocent child.

    It’s important for adults to be aware of these vulnerabilities and take appropriate measures to protect children from manipulation and deception. During early childhood, children tend to view the world from their own perspective and may struggle to understand that others can have different intentions or motives. Role playing and participating in scenario-based training can help build confidence and resiliency. Glen Stevens (COBRA Australia Regional Director) developed the COBRA Child Abduction Prevention (C.A.P.) course for children ages 4-12.  This two-hour class is taught world-wide and focuses on informing parents and keeping children safe from predators. It is important to teach children about personal safety, critical thinking, and developing a healthy skepticism without instilling fear or mistrust. 

Learn more about the COBRA CAP Program

Summer Break Safety for Children

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Most people can still remember that excited feeling they had on the last day of school before the summer break. The doors burst open, and we ran into the world filled with anticipation, relief, and youthful joy. Although summer is a time for freedom and adventure there are several steps parents and kids can take to ensure they stay safe:

  1. Stay Supervised: It’s important for children to have adult supervision, especially younger children. Make sure they are supervised when participating in outdoor activities, swimming, or visiting public places.

2. Water Safety: If children are swimming or participating in water-related activities, ensure they know how to swim and are always supervised by a responsible adult who also knows how to swim. They should follow all water safety rules. Encourage them to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen with a high SPF, especially during the peak hours between 10am and 4pm.

3. Stranger Awareness: Reinforce the importance of not accepting anything from strangers. Teach children the about personal boundaries and what they can do if they feel uncomfortable or threatened. C.O.B.R.A.’s Child Abduction Prevention CAP courses train both children and parents or caregivers in threat recognition and response using role-playing scenarios to help them understand what to do in different situations.

4. Cyber Safety: Remind children about the importance of online safety. Teach them about responsible internet use, the risks of sharing personal information online, and the dangers of interacting with strangers on social media or gaming platforms. Encourage open communication with parents or guardians regarding any online encounters that make them feel uncomfortable. Promote physical activity over sedentary screentime.

5. Road Safety: Remind children about road safety rules. Teach them to always cross the street at designated crosswalks or intersections, obey traffic signals, and look both ways before crossing. They should always wear helmets and protective gear when riding bicycles, skateboards, and other wheeled devices.

6. Situational Awareness: Teach children to be aware of their surroundings and trust their instincts. Encourage them to stay in well-lit areas, avoid isolated places, and be cautious of unfamiliar locations or people.

7. Emergency Preparedness: Ensure that children know their full name, address, and contact information for parents or guardians. Teach them how and when to dial emergency services (like 911) and what to do in case of an emergency.

8. Encourage Communication: Establish an open line of communication with children, so they feel comfortable discussing any concerns or experiences they have during the summer break. Encourage them to seek help from a trusted adult if the feel unsafe or encounter any problems.  

C.O.B.R.A. SATX offers many classes for ages 4+ and parents.  Self-defense classes encourage children to use their voice and trust their instincts which builds confidence and self-esteem. Participating in self-defense classes is an exciting and empowering way for children to learn life-saving skills. Enjoy the summer with your children and teach them to be smart and stay safe.