The issue isn't with Stranger Danger, itself, but the concept behind it. Kids are not under systematic danger from strangers (actually much safer today than 30 years ago, in that area). Because of this type of program, kids are actually less likely to ask an adult for help if they get lost, etc., increasing their risk rather than decreasing it.
. First one is Bicycle Patrol stuff (not relevant). About 10 years ago I started a program in the Elementary Schools in the town I work in related to safe routes to school. It doesn't only cover what you would think (bicycle safety, rules of the road, crossing at crossing guards etc.) I also include safety from predators. At that age there are really only 2 defenses. 1. bus, or parent driving, "portal to portal." 2. comes in two parts. Part 1...travel in groups, preferably groups of kids where all the parents are also on the same page. Part 2 have a password that is easy for you kid to remember (a pets name, their favorite cousin etc) in the event an adult the child is not familiar with has to separate them from their group.
