Stranger Smart: Warning Fail

Remember those social awareness ads? The ones that are created with the best of intentions and yet, come across as rather weird? Well, Stranger Smart falls into that category.

Alright, so it is somewhat unfair to be overtly critical of this awareness ad/video. This is, in theory, a good way for parents and teachers to talk to little ones about creepy strangers. There are lots of dangers out there and we should have a heart-to-heart with young ones about these risks.

Having said that, can I just add that this is not how I would have gone about it. Why? Firstly, remember how you, as a kid, used to react to warnings and 'don't do it' talks? It's not to say that a lot of us didn't listen; but if it came across as preachy, a lot of us would stop listening. Perhaps even add a 'Har-har', if there was a really nasty brat in the crowd.

Secondly, this video doesn't quite reach across to kids. It seems to be put together by adults, with little insight about using the correct methods to reach kids at their own level. I know there are grown-ups out there who will look at this and say, 'this is good, that is a good message'. But they aren't necessarily the target audience, are they? How many kids do you think will watch this, nod and then proclaim: 'That's it, I'm running away from old ladies with Gameboys'. Or something to that effect.

On an end note, let me point out that this is one heck of a creepy video. Almost everyone looks creepy but that's just to us adults, isn't it? And I don't think all the dodgy folk targeting kids will look like stereotypes of 80s bad guys. And for the wtf moment, watch for Hero Trap and Threats Trap.