Self Defense - Students

  March 23, 2013
  Child Self Defense Class 
  Destrehan  Library
  Officers:  Christian Johnson,  Jack Guilboy,  Steven Banegas and
                 Douglas Richardson
  Students:  Girl Scout Troops:  20886 St. Rose and 20446 Destrehan
 Self Defense Students

Message from Sheriff Champagne:
"We certainly don’t want to raise paranoid kids, but they need to be aware of the stranger dangers that lurk where we least expect it.   What if you were confronted with an abduction situation while with your children? Your chances of saving your kids dramatically increase if they can provide some resistance, also. Someday you will not be with them constantly and you are going to worry less if they know self-defense for children.   Here are some comprehensive techniques that are taught self-defense classes for young people":

Obtain your child’s ID card and file.
  • You can order a kit at: Child ID Program  or at St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s office.
  • Include medical information, physical description, and a recent picture. Dental records, fingerprints and DNA samples should be kept in a home file and should be updated annually. This is a real timesaver if your child does go missing. NOTE:  Professional fingerprinters are usually present during child self-defense classes to record fingerprints which are given to parents.
Teach your child to know their entire name, phone number, address, your name(s).
While not everyone drives, everyone is going to need picture identification at some point. What better way to obtain the identification you need than by applying for a Louisiana non-driver ID card?    With your ID card, you get all the benefits of a driver's license. The only difference is that you just aren't allowed to drive.    With two forms of identification, you can obtain a Louisiana I.D. card at any OMV office.   There is no age requirement for obtaining an identification card in Louisiana. However, if you're under the age of 18, you'll  need a parent or legal guardian with a photo ID to sign for you.

Teach them how to use a phone and about dialing 911.

Teach him about strangers. Remember strangers are not just people you’ve never seen. Tell them to stay at least an arm’s length from other adults, don’t talk to them, don’t take anything from them and never go anywhere with them!

Teach them that their body is private and that no one should touch them in a way that makes them uncomfortable. No one should touch them anywhere that their swimsuit would cover. They should not have to hug or kiss friends or family members if they do not wish too - that would send the wrong message.

Emphasize that they are to keep no secrets from you, their parents, for any reason. If someone were to ask them to keep a secret they need to tell you right away.

Establish a code word, or better yet phrase to use in case you as a parent would need to have someone else pick up your child (someone he knows well, of course). If the person did not know the phrase the child must not go with them.

Never leave children alone; not at home, in the yard, in the car to walk home from school.

Children are taught what to do when confronted by a stranger.    This portion of the program gives the student the opportunity to practice strikes and kicks on suited officers.

Teach children that if they are grabbed they must try as hard as they can to escape: screaming, squirming, kicking, biting, scratching, poking. They could yell, “Stranger! Stranger!- This is not my Mom/Dad!” They should try to grab on to a large object- fence, tree, pole, even a bike.

They should be taught to constantly try to find ways to escape, or never give up. If they can get a hold of the car keys they should do so and toss them as far as possible.

If the child is put in the trunk he should be taught to kick out the tail lights or use any tools he finds and make noise.

Lastly, play the “What if…?” game. This is an excellent exercise in self-defense for children. Take turns thinking of situations and what one would do in those situations. Not the most fun of games, but it can help a child think quickly if ever in that situation, plus helps him/her to be more aware of surroundings, understanding that these things could actually happen.