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SOUTH JORDAN — The radKIDS program is more than just kicking and screaming.
Today it's fun and games, but one day, the worst-case scenario could play out, and the students at Eastlake Elementary School are not only informed; they’re empowered.
“Just taking the class, you have courage. Even if you don't remember the skills, you have courage and you know you can hurt them,” said Eastlake Elementary School student Hope Thomas.
“I've learned all of these skills that I can use anywhere,” said student Cecilie Thomas.
Thursday, the students learned to be RAD, or to "resist aggression defensively." The children were taught that most importantly, they need a plan of action.
SALT LAKE CITY — Police officers found inexpensive ways to protect your home and fight back against crime.
Outside the home
First, bring criminals out of the shadows and shine a light on them. Install a motion sensor light by your doors and a light that stays on from dusk to dawn. Estimated cost is as little as $15-$20 dollars. Next, don't let someone waltz into your backyard. Make it tough by locking the gate. Bad guys don't like to work hard and often will just move on.Inside the home
Alarms can help scare off someone trying to get into your home. A window sensor will sound when a window is bumped or broken. Estimated cost is about $10 dollars. Window locks are also very inexpensive, at about $3 dollars per window. A deadbolt lock is key to keeping your family safe and can be as cheap as $10 dollars. One the most important things to do is get in a nightly routine of checking that all of your windows and doors are locked. And don't forget to lower the garage door.“Safety always comes first. And it's really important to know what you have to do in order to get away,” said Sammi Sharp.
“If I ever got captured or kidnapped, then I would scream as loud as I could. And I would remember all that I learned. And then I would just run away,” Madi Hansen chimed in.
The FBI echoes this advice. Agents tell parents to empower their kids to create boundaries for themselves. They also advise parents to help children understand that no one has the right to make them feel uncomfortable. And if they do feel uncomfortable, they need to remove themselves from the situation.
“If someone tries to take us, you can ask what the password is. And if they don't know, then you don't go with them,” said Hope Thomas.
Instructor Darla Thomas says these are life skills every child needs.
“I spend 10 hours with every group of kids. I go through this entire book. We do worksheets and we do physical skills,” Thomas said. “I want every child to get it. And I’ll do whatever I can to help every child in every school to make sure that happens.”
RadKIDS educators hope to get the program into every community and school district throughout the state.
Visit the radKIDS program website to learn more.
